By Spy Uganda
Kabarole: A boda boda rider identified as John Kugonza has been shot dead by a security operative deployed to enforce Museveni’s inter-district travel ban as one of the measures to contain surging cases of Covid-19.
John Kugonza, a resident of Nyansonzi village in Mugusu town council in Kabarole District was shot by a security operative in UPDF uniform at Kibede trading center, a few meters away from Mugusu town where security has put a checkpoint to enforce the travel ban for Kabarole and Bunyangabu districts.
Samuel Kusemererwa the LCI chairman for Kibede village who witnessed the incident told reporters that Kugonza was shot by a security officer who was returning to the checkpoint after chasing another motorcyclist who had reportedly forced his way through the checkpoint.
“Moments before shooting Kugonza, he (UPDF officer) was returning to the checkpoint after failing to arrest another boda boda rider. They tried to block him from crossing but failed to catch up with him,” Kusemererwa said.
Kusemererwa said Kugonza emerged from Nyansonzi village side later to join Fort Portal-Bunyangabu road, only to bump into a security checkpoint being manned by an unarmed traffic officer adding that Kugonza did not stop even after he was signaled by the unarmed officer.
“After circumventing the checkpoint, he met the armed officer who shot him on the head,” Kusemererwa added.
However, Kabarole Resident District Commissioner, Ms Julian Sara who is the head of the district Covid-19 task force said Kugonza knocked the officer before he was shot.
“The injured security officer is currently admitted at Muhoti mountain division health facility,” she said.
She urged civilians to respect authority, especially security operatives at the checkpoints.
“When you’re signaled to stop, please do so and explain yourself,” she added.
