Security guard shoots colleague dead in Kampala

KAPALA, UGANDA: Police in Kampala is investigating a case of murder by shooting after a security guard shot and killed his colleague in a latest gun violence incident in Kampala.

The tragic incident occurred at around 12 pm on Saturday when the suspect identified as Mr Ochoroi Peter, a security guard employed by Capital Guards Ltd opened gunfire that resulted in the death of his colleague at the same security company.

“We regret to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today, the 13th of May 2023, at approximately 12:30 PM in Kalule Zone, Lukuli Parish, Makindye Division, Kampala District. The incident involved a fatal shooting resulting in the death of a security guard employed by Capital Guards and Patrol, read a Saturday police statement by KMP Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire.

Owoyesigyire identified the deceased as Mr Mujumbi John, a 25-year-old male who was stationed at IDAK Apartments in Konge as part of his security duties.

Preliminary reports indicate that the two individuals had been sharing a rented room provided by the company with each armed with SAR semi-automatic rifles, each loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Their assigned duty was to provide security during nighttime, as per their supervisor’s instructions.

However, eyewitnesses say they heard an argument between the two guards, conducted in a language they did not understand, and shortly thereafter, a gunshot was heard originating from the same room, with the victim sustaining a gunshot wound to the forehead which resulted in profuse bleeding.

Owoyesigyire says police swiftly responded to the scene, accompanied by the divisional team and the Scene of Crime Officer and the victim was immediately rushed to Mulago Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

He added that during investigations, detectives at the scene of crime recovered two rifles, two small magazines, capable of holding five rounds each, and two sets of company uniforms found in the room were also retrieved to help with investigations.

“At this stage, the motive behind the incident remains unclear and is currently under investigation. Efforts are underway to gather additional information about both the victim and the suspect through their employer, the security company,” said Owoyesigyire.

“Furthermore, the postmortem report from Mulago City Mortuary will be obtained, and the exhibited firearms and cartridge case will be submitted to a ballistic expert for analysis,” he added.

The KMP Depuy Spox said police were working effortlessly to establish the primary objective of the ongoing inquiry and also have the suspected who is currently on the run apprehended.

“We urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement and provide any relevant information that may assist in the investigation. Updates on the progress of the investigation will be communicated to the public as they become available,” he concluded.

The latest shooting comes barely a day after a police officer PC Ivan Wabwire yesterday shot and killed an Indian businessman in Kampala following a disagreement over a loan debt the officer was servicing at the money lender’s financial institution.