Police officer charged with murder after death of Wakiso mother

The Directorate of CID in coordination with CID KMP has charged a police officer with murder after a police-involved shooting claimed the life of a mother and also inflicted minor injuries on her 4-year-old son.

Police say on 28th September 2022, at around 4 pm, at Bukasa trading centre, Bukasa parish, Wakiso sub-county in Wakiso district, two CT police officers attached to UNRA namely took interest in an Isuzu Elf registration number UAJ 758D that had parked at a roadside parking area.

The said police officers who were on daily routine motorised patrol to protect the road infrastructure were PC Muhumuza Elisah and PC Akello Evaline. They were in the company of a UNRA Enforcement officer.

The truck was being driven by one Tamale Twase Eriya, who was in the company of his wife, Nansereko Viola and their 4-year-old son, Kawuki Louis, a pupil at Hope Children Centre Temangalo.

The UNRA team followed the Isuzu truck, where it had parked and PC Akello Evaline disembarked from their van, a Toyota Hiace under registration number UBJ 885Q, and moved towards the Isuzu Elf. Out of fear, the driver Tamale Twase quickly drove off and brushed the police officer, who, it is alleged, fell down.

Her colleague PC Muhumuza Elisah fired several bullets towards the Elf truck causing injury to Nansereko on the right eye/side of the head.

In addition, their 4-year-old son, Kawuki Louis, sustained minor injuries on the right arm. The female victim was rushed and admitted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she died on the 10th of October 2022.

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said it was devastating that an innocent life was lost and two others threatened by police officers who were supposed to ensure their safety.

The death of the female victim and the injury of their son have really impacted the family, friends and relatives, Enanga stated.  “We acknowledge the impact of this tragedy, and do extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones,” he added.

“Instead of pursuing the truck, the suspect fired several shots into the cabin of the truck without any justification or act of provocation,” Enanga elaborated.

“We strongly condemn the act and also issue a very stern warning to all police officers, against shooting at moving vehicles, if they do not pose an imminent threat. We pledge to aggressively pursue officers who are reckless and use excessive force in the course of their duties,” he said further.

“After several weeks of perusal, the ODPP determined that there was sufficient evidence to charge the suspect PC Muhumuza Elisah with murder since the death was not justified or excused by self-defence. His colleague PC Akello Evaline was not charged and released on bond,” Enanga revealed.