By Our Reporter
A police constable is on the run after allegedly shooting and killing his colleague in a suspected crime of passion at Naguru Police Barracks on Thursday.
According to initial reports, Constable Arthur Muhangi fatally shot Constable Evarest Natujuna while the latter was resting in his room. Muhangi is said to have entered the room and fired three bullets into Natujuna’s head and chest, killing him instantly.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, though conflicting accounts have emerged. Some residents within the barracks claim the incident stemmed from a suspected love triangle, alleging that Muhangi accused the deceased of having an affair with his romantic partner. Others suggest the motive may have been financial—a disagreement over an alleged unpaid debt of 100,000 Ugandan shillings.
An officer familiar with the preliminary investigation described the incident as deliberate and premeditated.
“The true motive of this crime isn’t yet established. Some have linked it to a love affair, while others believe it was over an unpaid debt. What is clear is that the act was well planned, and the suspect fled immediately after the shooting,” said an Inspector of Police who preferred anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and emphasized that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motive.
“We registered a suspected murder here at Naguru, where Constable Natujuna Evarest was shot and killed by Constable Muhangi Arthur. The suspect is currently on the run. Investigations are underway to establish the motive behind the killing,” ACP Rusoke said.
Muhangi reportedly abandoned his firearm at the crime scene before fleeing. Police authorities are now conducting a manhunt and have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to his arrest.
ACP Rusoke added that the motive will likely be clarified once the suspect is apprehended and interrogated.
The tragic incident has shocked both law enforcement personnel and civilians residing at the Naguru Police Barracks, raising questions about internal discipline and the handling of personal conflicts within the force.
Authorities have urged calm and assured the public of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder.