A Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) operation in Manafwa District turned deadly on Thursday after suspected smugglers clashed with a joint security team, leaving one person dead, a government vehicle torched, and several others injured.
The violent confrontation unfolded in Buwasibi Cell, Bunabwana Ward, Bunyinza Town Council, where URA officers, backed by armed personnel, had launched an undercover operation targeting a suspected smuggling racket in the area.
Manafwa Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Patience Nambale said the team encountered resistance as soon as they attempted to make an arrest.
“As the team disembarked, a group of suspected smugglers turned violent, assaulting the officers. In the chaos, a URA vehicle was set ablaze,” Nambale said.
Tensions escalated when one of the armed officers allegedly fired live ammunition to disperse the crowd, fatally shooting a man. In the ensuing melee, an officer attached to the Internal Security Organization (ISO) and part of the URA task force was badly beaten by the crowd.
Another officer, identified only as Wamala, reportedly fled the scene during the attack, leaving the rest of the team exposed until reinforcements arrived to rescue them.
The mob later attempted to storm a nearby army barracks, demanding immediate compensation for the burial of the deceased, forcing a security lockdown in the area.
Authorities condemned the violence and urged locals to use lawful means to address grievances. Police have since launched investigations into the shooting and mob assault.