Security official shoots one in bar scuffle

Source. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the groups started the fight following a dispute over a woman in the bar.

Authorities in Hoima Town are yet to identify a security official, who shot and injured a resident following a fight in a nearby bar.
The District Police commander, Mr Augustine Kasangaki, said: “It is alleged that one of the officials, who were on patrol, shot and injured a resident suspected to have assaulted Ngabirano, alias Fala.”

Mr Francis Ngabirango, 28, a timber dealer, was reportedly assaulted at Emma’s Bar in Kiryateete suburb, where he had gone for a social evening on Sunday.

“After I was assaulted, I did not retaliate. I reported the matter to security officials, who were on patrol in the area,” Mr Ngabirango told this newspaper from the hospital bed.

The resident, who was shot, has been identified as Mr Geoffrey Opocha. He was shot in the right hand.

The incident reportedly triggered off a fight between friends and relatives of Mr Ngabirango and those of Mr Opocha,

Mr Kasangaki said police quelled the fight but found when Mr Mumbutu Turyatungwa, a relative to Ngabirango, was already injured.
He was taken to Hoima Hospital bleeding profusely.
“Investigations have commenced to establish the circumstances under which he was shot. Two of the officials, who were on patrol, have been detained to help us in the investigations,” Mr Kasangaki said.

He declined to give details of the security personnel and possible charges the suspect would face.

The Kiryateete Village chairman, Mr Peter Mayanja, said the fight started following a quarrel over a woman.

He said the revellers began trading accusations and insults at each other before it degenerated into a fight.

Mr Mayanja has urged residents to remain calm and maintain law and order.

fmugerwa@ug.nationmedia.com