Police in the Katonga Region, together with Gomba District Police, have launched a manhunt for individuals believed to be officials from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) who allegedly shot dead a coffee factory worker in Kanoni Town Council, Gomba District.
The operation follows the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Katerega Musa, an employee of Abassi Coffee Factory Limited, who was reportedly shot in the head during an operation conducted by individuals said to be UCDA officials.
Workers who witnessed the incident told Nile Post that UCDA officials had previously visited the factory on several occasions to inspect coffee quality and conduct sensitisation meetings.
However, they said Tuesday's operation appeared different, claiming the officials arrived with several people already detained in their vehicle and seemed intent on making arrests.
"They arrived as they always do, and we welcomed them because it was not their first visit. They normally inspect the coffee and hold meetings with us. But this time, they came with a different approach. There was no discussion, and they appeared to be on a mission," one worker said.
According to the workers, shortly after entering the factory, the officials attempted to arrest some employees. During the ensuing commotion, one of the armed personnel accompanying the team allegedly opened fire, killing Musa instantly.
"We heard people arguing, with one person insisting he would not be taken away. Moments later, a gunshot rang out. We rushed to the scene and found Musa lying dead after being shot in the head, while the officials fled," another worker recounted.
The workers said they attempted to prevent the suspects from escaping by closing the factory gate, but the suspects reportedly rammed through it and drove away.
"When we realised our colleague had been killed and they were trying to escape, we closed the gate to block them. However, they forced their way through and drove off," they added.
Residents who rushed to the scene described the incident as shocking and condemned the use of lethal force during what was reportedly a coffee quality inspection exercise.
"It is deeply disturbing that someone could be shot in the head during an operation meant to monitor coffee quality. We want justice," one resident said.
The residents have urged the government and police to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
They also alleged that the fleeing suspects caused several road crashes while escaping from the scene, resulting in additional fatalities and injuries. Police had not independently confirmed the reported crashes by the time of publication.
Katonga Regional Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe confirmed Musa's death and said investigations were underway.
"Our officers have launched a manhunt to identify and arrest those responsible for the fatal shooting of Musa Katerega. We shall provide the public with more information as investigations progress," Tumushabe said.
Police have not yet officially identified the suspects or confirmed whether the individuals involved were indeed officials attached to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and workers in Gomba District, with calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
