The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Okoth Ochola has strongly condemned the senseless act of violent attack against police officers, manning the traffic checkpoint at Kiwumpa village, Kiwumpa parish, Luwero subcounty in Luweero district.
The preliminary information gathered indicates that at around midday on Monday, a group of assailants armed with machetes emerged from both sides of the checkpoint in a coordinated manner and attacked the two field force officers who were armed and providing security to four traffic other officers at the checkpoint.
The assailants hacked PC Josephat Twinamatsiko on the head and face.
His colleague PC Busingye Ronald was cut at the back. Both their guns were robbed immediately.
The assailants proceeded and set fire, using petrol, on a parked lorry Fuso box body which got a mechanical problem on July 24 at around 3pm and was undergoing repairs.
Thereafter, they escaped from the scene and jumped into a waiting getaway vehicle around Kiwumpa Church of Uganda primary school.
“The IGP has extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends, relatives and workmates of the late PC Busingye Ronald,” said a statement issued by CP Fred Enanga, police spokesperson.
“And further wished a quick recovery to PC Twinamatsiko Josephat, who has been transferred to Kampala from Luweero hospital for better treatment.”
According to Ochola, the tragic incident is a stark reminder of the hazards police officers face in their efforts to protect the public and keep citizens safe.
“We do honor PC Busingye Ronald for his ultimate sacrifice while serving the community in Luweero and the country at large.”
He said the motivation for the violent attack and murder is not yet established “although it appears they targeted guns for robbery”.
“The other traffic officers who were not armed were not attacked. We want to assure the public that we have reinforced our teams in Luweero to help identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the brutal attack.”