Policeman shoots civilian in fight for waitress

Police in Gomba District are hunting for a policeman at the rank of police constable, for allegedly shooting and critically injuring a man in a bar.

Ronald Arijaha, a detective constable used an AK47 gun to shoot Jackson Bwandagala, 23, a resident of Mamba fishing village on the shores of Lake Wamala in Kyegonza Sub County, Gomba District, on the arm on Friday.

According to an eyewitness, the incident happened after the two exchanged bitter words over a female bar attendant.

"They were both dating one waitress and it is said that they were previously engaged in quarrels over the same woman. The policeman wanted to shoot in the chest but luckily, the bullet met with the victim's arm," an eyewitness who preferred anonymity, told this reporter.

Mr Alfonse Musoni, the Gomba District Police Commander said: "He had fled with the gun, but fortunately, we managed to recover it on Saturday night from the bush. The hunt for the suspect is still ongoing as investigations continue.”

He said upon his arrest, Arijaha will face charges of attempted murder and gun misuse.

The victim was rushed to Gomba Hospital bleeding profusely and was later referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital to receive better treatment.

Mr Godfrey Sseguya, the Kyegonza Sub County chairman asked the police commanders to take action on some errant policemen who use the guns to intimidate people residents in his area.

Police Annual Crime Report 2018 shows that cases of attempted murder by shooting were 72 (26 cases in rural areas and 46 cases in urban centres).

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