By Andrew Irumba
Bugiri: Shock and horror gripped residents of Bugiri town after a private security guard at a fuel station lost his temper and shot a taxi conductor on Tuesday evening.
Patrick Kiirya, a security guard attached to New Security Company limited, has since been arrested by Bugiri police for shooting and injuring a taxi conductor identified as Muzamiru Kaligavu, of taxi registration number, UAV 504R, at Burar Pump fuel station.
It is said that the taxi was destined for Busia from Iganga district but made a stopover at the pump fuel station to drop some passengers.
Kiirya, who was on duty, asked Kaligavu to vacate the area in vain, prompting him to open fire.
The bullet injured Kaligavu while Hanington Mboko sustained injuries on the left eye from the bullet fragments. The gunshot victims are receiving treatment at Bugiri General Hospital and recovering steadily.
Kiirya told journalists that he was forced to open fire because of the conductor’s arrogance.
“This conductor operates along the highway and is aware that due to the frequent robberies, taxis are not allowed to park at fuel stations. He adamantly kept on insulting me even when the station manager asked him to politely vacate the premises. I had no option rather than applying minimum force,” Kiirya said.
James Mubi, the Busoga East Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident and said Kiirya is charged with unlawful wounding. Mubi cautioned the general public to observe safety guidelines stipulated by both private and public entities to ensure harmony.
