Tragedy struck Ntawo Police Post on the night of November 23 when the Officer in Charge, ASP Bagenda Emmanuel, was fatally shot by unknown thugs in a brazen attack that has sent shockwaves through Mukono Municipality.
The incident occurred at around 10:25 PM in Ntawo cell, Mukono Central Division. ASP Bagenda, accompanied by a police constable, was responding to a distress call from residents of Kiwala village who had reported an armed robbery. According to preliminary reports, the suspects, riding a motorcycle, had attacked local residents and stolen property before fleeing the scene.
In a daring pursuit, ASP Bagenda and the constable intercepted the motorcycle. The suspects allegedly opened fire without warning, fatally wounding Bagenda on the spot. The accompanying constable was also shot but survived and was rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.
In a shocking twist, the attackers also made off with an AK-47 rifle issued to the police, raising concerns about the potential use of the weapon in further criminal activities.
Uganda Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that the force has launched a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators.
“The Uganda Police Force is pursuing the assailants and they will be brought to justice. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous attack face the full weight of the law,” Rusoke said.
He added that investigations are ongoing, and additional operational teams have been deployed in the area to track down the killers and recover the stolen firearm.
Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities as the manhunt intensifies. Police have also called on the public to assist with information that could lead to the capture of the suspects.
“We urge residents to cooperate with security personnel and provide any information that may help in apprehending these criminals. Public safety remains our top priority,” Rusoke added.
This brazen attack has raised fresh concerns about security in the area and the vulnerability of police officers during interventions. The Uganda Police Force has pledged to strengthen measures to protect officers and communities while ensuring that the perpetrators of this crime are swiftly brought to justice.