UPDF hunt for Kyegegwa gunmen
Rwenzori regional UPDF spokesperson, LT Ninsiima Rwemijuma (C), addresses residents of Kyegegwa District at the burial of the woman who was killed by gunmen last week. PHOTO BY EDSON AMANYIRE.
What you need to know:
Police and the UPDF are on the hunt for gunmen who killed a woman and a police officer.
KAMPALA/KYEGEGWA- The Uganda Peoples Defence Force has joined the hunt for the gunmen who attacked a church and killed two people, including a police officer.
The army joined after reports indicated that the attackers might be remnants of the Allied Democratic Forces, the army spokesman in Rwenzori region, Lt Ninsiima Rwemijuma, said.
Police sources said soldiers combed the forested area to ascertain whether the attack was conducted by ADF remnants.
Deputy police spokesperson, Ms Polly Namaye, said two people suspected to be part of the group have been arrested and detained at Kyegegwa Police Station.
“Investigations show that the gunmen were more than 15 in number,” she said.
The incident happened at Mungumwema Pentecostal Church in Hapuuyo Sub-county, Kyegegwa District at around 2am as worshippers prayed on Thursday morning.
Beata Mukachaka, 18, a worshipper was beheaded by the attackers.
The two suspects are said to be Islamic fundamentalist who once killed pigs in the village.
Fleeing in fear
The Kyaribuni village chairman, Omuhereza Bangirana, said some residents are vacating the area over fear of fresh attacks.
Last month, police warned that remnants of ADF, who were running from DR Congo, might become a danger to security.
This is the second incident in less than a week in which armed men have battled with the police.
Recently, armed men attacked Mubende Police Station but they were repulsed by officers after a long shootout.
Ms Namaye said they are trying to establish whether the two incidents are linked or it is just religious extremism.
AIP Grace Mwine is the fourth police officer to be killed in less than a month.
Three weeks ago, a suspected thug accessed Nsambya Police Barracks and stabbed to death a police constable, only identified as Mukama.
Mr Abdu Ssebagala, a Flying Squad operative, was gunned down near his home recently in Kampala.
Another officer at the rank of corporal attached to Dorwe Police Post in Namayingo District was cut and later shot dead by criminals who wanted him to hand over his gun.
Uganda Human Rights Commission chairman, Med Kaggwa raised a red flag asking for thorough investigations into the people behind the killing of police officers.
[email protected]
