Election violence suspect shot dead in police cells

Police in Kakumiro District are holding a police officer for allegedly shooting dead a suspect who was in custody on allegations of election violence.

John Barugahare, a resident of Kamuli village-Kyakajumbi parish in Kikwaya Sub County was shot dead on Sunday night in Kikwaya police post cell where he was being detained.

One of his close relatives, Mr James Kaberu, said Barugahare had been arrested on allegations of involvement in violence during the January 14 elections.

‘‘He was arrested last week on allegations of causing violence during elections. We were saddened on hear that he had been shot dead by a police officer. We are demanding for justice,’’ Mr Kaberu said.

How he died

The Albertine regional police spokesperson, Mr Julius Hakiza said Barugahare was shot by a police officer who tried to intervene in a scuffle between him (Barugahare) and other suspects in the cell.

Police said the suspects attempted to escape the moment the officer opened the cells to establish what was happening following the scuffle.

In the scuffle, the officer allegedly discharged a bullet that hit Barugahare who died as he was being rushed to the hospital.

‘‘It is true there was a scuffle in police cells where the suspects were fighting. The police officer who was guarding wanted to establish what was exactly happening. In the due course, he opened the cell’s door and the suspects wanted to run away. One of the suspects (Barugahare) wanted to take off and when the police officer opened fire, he ended up shooting him. He died on the way as he was being rushed to hospital,’’ Mr Hakiza said on Monday.

He added that the police officer was arrested and taken to Kakumiro police station where he is currently detained.

In a related development, police in Kikuube District are holding another police officer for shooting dead a resident.

Ms Evelyn Tumusiime, 28, a resident of Kyakachwende village, Kakindo Sub County, Kakumiro District, was allegedly shot dead by a police officer during a scuffle that had ensued at a thanking giving party organized by Kiziranfumbi LCIII Chairperson-elect, Mr Sedrak Muhumuza on Saturday. The suspect is attached to Wairagaza police post in Kikuube District.

‘‘Violence broke out at the party and police intervened to contain it. A police officer discharged a bullet that hit one person. She died as she was being rushed to Hoima hospital.

Her body was on Sunday handed over to relatives for burial.