A police officer was killed and four civilians sustained gunshot injuries during an operation to arrest a suspect in Nebbi District on the evening of June 6, 2026.
The deceased has been identified as Police Constable (PC) Joseph Olupot. The injured civilians are Charkes Okecha, 44, Irene Pimer, 32, Joy Epifania, 2, and Charles Oroch, 52.
According to police, the incident occurred during an operation to arrest Robert Ocircan following a domestic dispute involving his girlfriend, Praise Atuhaire, 25, a businesswoman from Mutungo Zone III in Nakawa Division, Kampala.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Atuhaire travelled to Nebbi with Ocircan on June 5, 2026, and spent the night at his home in Kasuku Cell, Nyacara Ward, Abindu Division. The following morning, the couple reportedly developed misunderstandings, prompting Atuhaire to seek assistance from Nebbi Central Police Station (CPS).
Police officers are said to have contacted Ocircan and requested him to report to the station, but he allegedly declined. Officers subsequently mounted an arrest operation at about 6:10 p.m.
During the operation, community members reportedly began pelting stones at the officers. Police say that amid the confrontation, PC Sam Okello allegedly discharged his firearm, fatally shooting his colleague, PC Olupot, and injuring four civilians.
All the victims were rushed to Nebbi General Hospital for treatment. However, PC Olupot was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police have since arrested PC Sam Okello and detained him at Nebbi CPS pending investigations.
Speaking on the incident, West Nile Regional Police Public Relations Officer Josephine Angucia said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
"We regret the loss of our colleague and the injuries sustained by the civilians. The firearm involved in the incident has been recovered, the suspect officer is in custody, and a thorough investigation is underway. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and cooperate with investigators to ensure justice is served," Angucia said.
Police have opened a General Enquiry File (G.E.F 15/2026), recorded witness statements, recovered the firearm used in the shooting, and visited the scene to collect evidence.
A postmortem examination on the deceased officer is being conducted, while exhibits recovered from the scene have been submitted for forensic analysis as investigations continue.