BUTAMBALA, UGANDA: Police in Butambala district is on a manhunt for three unknown gunmen who killed two civilians and later raided a police station in Kyabadaza where they aided the escape of suspected cattle thieves on Friday night.
The deceased persons have been identified as, Kalyango Ibra and Nsubuga Peter, both residents of Kasule Ayanguwa VIllage in Budde Sub-county, Butambala district.
According to a statement by Katonga Regional Police Spokesperson Ms Lydia Tumushabe, the police at Kyabadaza Police Station last evening received a distress call from the Budde Sub County Chairperson, Mr Ali Mwagalanyi who said that two suspected cattle thieves on two motorcycles were on the verge of being lynched by the community, at Kasule Ayanguwa Village in Budde Subcounty in Butambala District.
“Our task team immediately responded, rescued the two suspected cattle thieves and took them into custody at Kyabadaza police station,” Ms Tumushabe said, adding that a few moments later, a group of three men riding on a boda boda motorcycle arrived at the scene (Kasule-Ayanguwa village) and started inquiring about what had happened.
“They looked suspicious and residents threatened to arrest them unaware that they were armed with a gun. One of the suspects drew out a gun and shot at the crowd, killing two residents instantly,” she said.
Ms Tumushabe said the armed assailants proceeded to Kyabadaza Police Station located in Kyabadaza Trading Centre and attacked officers on duty.
“A fire exchange occurred, which enabled the escape of suspects, including the two suspected cattle thieves. Although no officers were injured and no guns were lost, part of the offices got burnt,” said Ms Tumushabe
The police said that the motive of the suspects had not yet been determined but assured that the intelligence teams have already embarked on the mission to have them apprehended and brought to book.
“At this stage, the motive of the suspects has not yet been determined. However, our evidence response teams are already processing the crime scene. In addition, our operational and intelligence teams have embarked on a mission to identify the attackers and ensure they are brought to book,” she said.
Residents Speak out
Ibrahim Bakayaana, a resident and eyewitness of the grievous incident said the attackers had a “sophisticated rifle and a gadget that looked like a radio call.”
“The gunmen looked to be well trained and their mission was to rescue their colleagues who were in custody,” he said.
Similar Incidents
Over the past months, the country has recorded a spate of attacks on security installations and an increase in armed robberies in the past months.
Just this week on Wednesday, a suspected assailant attacked and killed a private security guard in broad daylight before fleeing the scene with the gun.
The deceased was attached to SGA Security Group Africa and deployed at Advance Smart Microfinance office in Wapamba Zone, Wobulenzi Town, Luweero District.
The suspect who is still at large with the robbed gun reportedly approached the guard disguising himself as a mentally sick person carrying rubbish before he wrestled him down, grabbed the gun and shot him in the lower abdomen.
On November 18, gunmen killed a UPDF sergeant who was guarding Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja District. They took off with two guns.
On November 14, thugs shot at Kensington Luxury Heights Police Post before taking off.
On October 31, thugs attacked Busiika Police Station in Luweero District where three police officers lost their lives and four guns were taken.
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