The officer in charge of Kyesiiga police post in Masaka district, Willy Ogwal, has been arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a two-year-old child and injuring two other civilians while responding to a disturbance at a bar.
The incident occurred at Ndeeba trading centre in Lwaggulwe parish, where Ogwal had reportedly responded to a fight among revellers following the alleged theft of a mobile phone.
According to preliminary reports, the officer allegedly opened fire during the confrontation, killing Ashiraf Kiweewa, aged two, on the spot. The child’s mother, Aisha Kisakyamukama, and another civilian, Gerald Kiweewa, were also struck by the bullets. They are receiving treatment at Kyanamukaka health centre IV.
Kyesiiga sub-county chairperson Mikidad Lusiba said officers from Masaka Central police station later arrested Ogwal and took him into custody at Kyanamukaka Police Station as investigations commenced.
Greater Masaka regional police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the arrest, saying detectives are investigating the circumstances under which the shooting occurred.
“We just want to understand what really transpired at the scene, whether it is murder or whether it was in self-defence. We have already recorded statements from some eyewitnesses,” Kasirye said.
Police said investigations are ongoing.
