Policeman charged over shooting civilian dead in Kampala

Policeman Grifene Ampamize appears in the dock at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on February 4, 2025. PHOTO/JULIET KIGONGO
What you need to know:
- Prosecution states that on December 18, 2024, at Kings Way Plaza, in Kampala’s Central Division, the policeman unlawfully caused the death of James Oryek Abora.
Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has charged and remanded a policeman to Luzira Prison, following an incident in which he was accused of shooting a civilian dead in Kampala.
Thirty-five-year-old Detective Constable Grifene Ampamize, who is attached to Tuba police post of Kira Road Police Station Tuesday afternoon appeared before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, who officially read the charge of manslaughter to him.
Ampamize denied the charge of manslaughter contrary to the Ugandan law before he was advised to apply for bail but his sureties, present in court, lacked the required documents.
"The accused person is hereby remanded until February 20 for hearing of his bail application," Kayiizi said.
Prosecution led by Allan Mucunguzi told court that investigations in the matter are complete as he sought a hearing date.
Prosecution states that on December 18, 2024, at Kings Way Plaza, in Kampala’s Central Division, the policeman unlawfully caused the death of James Oryek Abora.
According to court documents, Ampamize and his colleague Clowis Kiwanissima reported at New Nakivubo Police Post with a suspect in a mobile phone theft case but when they reached Coopper Complex (along Nakivubo Green Street), the public caused resistance and obstruction.
"In the event Ampamize grabbed a riffle from Kiwanissima and discharged a bullet in the air to dispatch the crowd. Accidently, the stray bullet hit Abora in the chest as he was standing at the 3rd floor on Kings Plaza, injuring him. The victim was rushed to Nsambya Hospital--- where he was pronounced dead on arrival," reads in part the court documents.
Upon conviction in Uganda, the punishment for manslaughter is imprisonment for life, as stated under Section 190 of the Penal Code Act although courts may issue a lesser penalty.