IGP Ochola says Luwero traffic attackers wanted guns to use in robberies

The Inspector General of Police Okoth Ochola has said that the suspects who attacked a traffic check point in Luwero district and killed a police officer were targeting guns.

He said the police has commenced investigations into the incident and, “At this stage the motivation of the violent attack and murder is not established, but it appears they targeted guns for robbery.”

The police commander said this basing on the fact that the other traffic officers who were not armed were not attacked.

He condemned the act pointing out that it is against the law to violently attack officers on duty such as these officers who were manning a traffic checkpoint.

The assailants hacked police constable Josephat Twinamatsiko on the head and face and his colleague was cut at the back before taking both their guns.

They then proceeded and set fire, using petrol, on a parked lorry Fuso box body which had broken down due to a mechanical problem, on the July, 24 at around 3pm and was undergoing repairs.

The assailants fled from the scene in a waiting getaway vehicle which was parked around Kiwumpa Church of Uganda Primary School.

In his statement, he sent his deepest condolences to the family, friends, relatives and workmates of the late PC Ronald Busingye. And further wished a quick recovery to PC Josephat Twinamatsiko, who was transferred to Kampala from Luwero hospital for better treatment.

“The tragic incident is a stark reminder of the hazards police officers face, in their efforts to protect the public and keep citizens safe. We do honor PC Ronald Busingye for his ultimate sacrifice while serving the community in Luwero and the country at large,” he said

“We want to assure the public that we have reinforced our teams in Luwero to help identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the brutal attack,” Ochola said.