Security guard arrested for shooting, injuring two street vendors in Kampala

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Police in Kampala have in custody a private security guard attached to SWAT Security Company arrested for shooting and injuring two street vendors in Kampala city centre.

The incident happened on Friday evening at Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza, in Kampala. The victims of the shooting include a one William Magezi, 35, and Douglas Emma, 25 who have since been taken to hospital for medication.

According to Kampala Metropolitan deputy Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, a team of KCCA enforcement officers chased vendors off William street, and as some ran inside the nearby building including the Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza, they faced off with the security guard who tried to deny them entry into the building leading to the scuffle and later shooting.

“Some of the vendors rushed and hid inside Mutaasa Kafero Plaza along William street. The security guard of SWAT Security Company one Lokaman Charles rushed inside the plaza to push out one of the vendors that had hid there. The mob reacted angrily and attempted to beat up the security guard which prompted the security guard to shoot at the crowd,” said Owoyesigyire on Saturday morning.

He added that the security guard has since been arrested and detained at the Central Police Station in Kampala whereas the rifle used in the shooting has also been taken as an exhibit as inquiries continue.

The development comes on the backdrop of heightened joint operations by KCCA , police and the UPDF to keep vendors off Kampala streets.

A number of them have since been arrested whereas several kiosks have also been razed down for being illegally erected in the city as part of efforts by KCCA to make Kampala a smart city.

Unlike in the past where operations against street vendors were not serious, this time round, KCCA enforcement officers, police and UPDF officers have maintained presence on the streets to prevent vendors from returning.