By Frank Kamuntu
The territorial police in Kassanda is investigating a case of aggravated robbery and murder by shooting that happened on June 19, 2023, at 5:40 pm in Kyakitanga Village, Manyogaseka Subcounty, Kassanda District.
According to Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, Kawala Rachael, the incident involved three unidentified assailants all men.
According to preliminary findings, on June 19, 2023, at around 5:40 pm, three armed robbers entered a mobile money agent shop/soda depot owned by Bonani Janvier Fils in Kalongo, Mubende District and stole various items of unidentified value and fled the scene on a motorcycle.
”Upon receiving this information, our officers, led by the Officer in Charge of Kiganda Police Station, immediately initiated pursuit of the suspects with the aim of apprehending them,” says Kawala adding,”During the pursuit, the suspects shot our officer CPL Olaya Joseph, No. 52590, who was attached to Kiganda Police Station. He unfortunately succumbed to injuries while being transported to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.”
She says the suspects also took CPL Oloya’s magazine but left the firearm behind.
”We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late CPL Olaya Joseph. We have recorded relevant statements to aid the investigations,” says Kawala.
She adds that a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle Reg No UDX 755C, belonging to the suspects, has been recovered.
This incident occurs at a time when the public is raising concerns about gun violence in Uganda. Last month, city lawyer Ronnie Mukisa was shot and killed in Kampala, before that, a police man shot and killed a UPDF officer in Mbarara, a day before that, a security guard shot dead himself at Lumumba Avenue in Kampala.
Another incident was a murder by shooting of Col Charles Okello Engola, the now former Deputy Minister for Gender and Labour, who was killed by his security guard who later gunned down himself.