Boy, 16, shot dead in security operation to arrest father accused of deserting UPDF
These photos taken on February 24, 2021 show security operatives interrogating family members of a man accused of deserting from the army following a shootout that left one of his sons dead and another injured
A joint security operation between police and UPDF in Kapchorwa District on Wednesday ended with the death of a 16-year-old boy and the arrest of his father who is accused of deserting the army.
Authorities said the boy, only identified as Timothy was shot dead in a fire exchange between his armed father, only identified as Kapchekweko, UPDF and the police at Kapcheli village, Kapchemwor Parish, Tuban Sub County.
Kapchekweko’s 15-year-old son was also injured in the shootout.
A boy displays a gunshot wound he sustained in the shootout between his father and security operatives who accused him of deserting from the army
Security operatives had on Wednesday gone to arrest Kapchekweko who is accused of deserting from the UPDF with a gun.
The Elgon region UPDF Spokesperson, Mr Jude Wandera said Mr Kapchekweko who was at his home at the time of the security raid opened gunfire at the UPDF and police officers prompting the officers to shoot back.
Sipi region Police Spokesperson, Mr Fred Chesang, said an injured Kapchekweko was eventually arrested and the gun recovered.
"The suspect is helping us in the investigations as we hunt for more suspects. We have arrested the prime suspect who deserted from the army with a gun and we have been looking for him,"Mr Chesang told this reporter.
A security operatives displays a gun that was recovered from the suspect
He said the boy was injured in the shootout but died as relatives rushed him to Kapchorwa Hospital for treatment.
"The suspect was shot in the leg during the scuffle. A bullet caught his son in the stomach but he died on the way to hospital,” he said.
Timo0thy’s body was taken to Kapchorwa Hospital pending postmortem.
