The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Martin Okoth Ochola on Monday condemned an incident in which an irate mob attacked police officers at Namasagali Police Station in Kamuli district, killing one.
After the incident, Police raided Kadungu “B” village and arrested 11 suspects in connection with the Sunday incident in which Detective Constable Francis Kasolo was murdered by the mob.
The Police also recovered a gun that was reportedly stolen from the dead officer.
In a statement, the Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga noted that “The IGP has strongly condemned the senseless act of violence, where an irate mob attacked police officers at Namasagali Police Station after they rescued and took into custody two traditional healers, who allegedly bewitched two village members to death during July 2021.”
According to the statement, On Sunday, September 26, 2021, the Police rescued two traditional healers, identified as Yosam Namuyindo and Joseph Ojja, from an irate mob at Kadungu “B” village, Kisakye Parish, Namasagali sub-county in Kamuli district.
Police noted that the victims were rushed to Namasagali police station for safe custody. However, while at the station, the violent mob armed with pangas, sticks and stones stormed the station to lynch the two suspects.
Attempts to counter them with warning shots were fruitless. Two of the officers namely; Sergeant Florence Nakabuye and Kasolo sustained very serious injuries after they were overwhelmed and disarmed by the ring leader Buyinza Buyala and his accomplices,” the police statement indicated.
Also, one of the rescued victims, Namuyindo Yosam, was fatally wounded by stray bullets during the scuffle for the police gun and later succumbed to his wounds.
“A crime preventer identified as David Bagadira, who was riding a motorcycle during the rescue mission, was also attacked, injured and in critical condition, but admitted at Kamuli Mission Hospital.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our officer and that of Kasolo. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, colleagues and relatives. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” the statement reads.
Police noted that the security situation in the village and the immediate neighbourhood was restored after reinforcements from Kamuli District Police Headquarters.
“An immediate cordon and search operation was conducted in the village, which led to the recovery of the two police guns in the home of Buyinza Buyala,” Police said.
Police added that “A blood-stained panga was also recovered and exhibited. We want to assure the public that we have directed sufficient resources to the investigation to help apprehend all suspects involved in the horrendous tragedy,” Police said.
Police noted that so far, 11 suspects are in custody and these include Isima Muzaale, Karim Walujo, Robert Mpule, Wanjala Yoweri, Yoweri Oliga, Silvester Magala, Wabwire Zabwe, Yonah Mvabagwa Dooba, John Ekijati, Mugalu Ewaku and Alex Abiora.
“Efforts are in place to trace the prime suspect Buyinza Buyala, with several accomplices who have fled from the village. We urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of Buyinza Buyala to pass it in confidence to the police in Kamuli on telephone contacts 0714668013/0716668012,” the statement indicated.
Police noted that the incident is a stark reminder of the dangers police officers face in their efforts to protect the public and keep citizens safe.
“We do honour, D/C Kasolo, for his ultimate sacrifice while serving the community, in Namasagali, Kamuli and the country at large,” the Police stated.
