KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Bukwo District, Sebei Sub Region in the Eastern part of country, after a confrontation with officers who had travelled to the area to arrest a suspect.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said, “We are investigating the circumstances under which the shooting occurred, and we shall establish whether the use of force was lawful, necessary, and proportionate.”
The incident occurred at about 1pm on Saturday, 8 August, 2026, in Chemusebe Village, Kapchemoken Parish, Brim Sub-County, police said.
According to preliminary findings released by the Uganda Police Force, officers from Giriki Police Station in neighbouring Kween District went to Bukwo to carry out an arrest. They were joined by officers from Riwo Sub-County Police Station and an officer familiar with the area before proceeding to Brim.
Police said the officers found the suspect washing a motorcycle near a stream at Chemusebe Trading Centre.
The suspect allegedly abandoned the motorcycle and fled when he saw the officers, who later impounded the motorcycle.
The situation escalated while officers were speaking to local leaders and relatives who claimed the motorcycle, according to police.
The deceased, identified as Mutakan, allegedly approached the officers armed with a panga and stones.
Police said he threatened the officers, struck one of them with a stone and continued advancing despite attempts by his mother and others at the scene to restrain him.
Warning shots were reportedly fired as officers tried to stop the alleged attack. Police said Mutakan continued advancing and was subsequently shot.
He was taken to Bukwo General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said four people, including officers involved in the operation, are being questioned as investigations continue. Authorities said the inquiry will determine the circumstances in which the firearms were discharged and whether the force used was lawful, necessary and proportionate.
Rusoke Kituuma reiterated that “all incidents involving discharge of firearms by police officers are thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and adherence to operational guidelines.”
The shooting comes as police renew warnings against attacks on armed officers during operations, saying confrontations and attempts to disarm officers can quickly turn deadly.
Police cited the deaths of officers in separate incidents in Ibanda and Oyam in 2025, where arrest or security operations reportedly escalated into mob violence.
The force urged the public to remain calm during police operations, comply with lawful instructions and use established legal channels to challenge police conduct.
Police said they remain committed to investigating allegations of unlawful conduct by their officers while also protecting officers from attacks as they carry out their duties.
