Budaka (UG):- The Territorial Police in Budaka District is facing mounting scrutiny following the tragic shooting of 25-year-old Muyaba Asuman by a prison officer, ASP Kaisi Mutaawe, in Bubulanga Village, Kamonkoli Town Council.
The incident, which occurred around 10 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, has raised serious questions about police conduct and the treatment of individuals in custody as reports indicate that Muyaba was shot after allegedly resisting arrest.
It it reported that ASP Mutaawe, who is attached to the Kampala Remand Home, had tracked Muyaba from Adjumani Government Prison, where he had been incarcerated for burglary and theft.
Just three days prior to the shooting, on December 17, 2024, Muyaba, a Mugwere by tribe, had escaped from prison before the elapse of his sentence which was set to conclude on January 26, 2030.
After a brief stay at Mbale Prison following his conviction and sentence by the Budaka Chief Magistrate Court in 2023, Muyaba was transferred to Adjumani, where he managed to escape shortly before the shooting.
The circumstances surrounding his escape and the events leading up to his death are now the focus of an ongoing investigation. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the shooting unfolded, expressing disbelief and sorrow over the loss of a young man known in the community.
“He was a good person; we never expected this to happen,” said a neighbour who preferred anonymity to this story report.
In response to the shooting, Bukedi North Regional Police Commander ACP Mwanga Moses Kitiyo stated, “We take this incident very seriously. A team of officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) has been dispatched to gather evidence and witness statements.”
“We are committed to ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the loss of life,” he added, emphasising the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
Muyaba’s shooting has since sparked outrage among community members, who are demanding accountability from law enforcement.
Whereas many locals are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for Muyaba’s family and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, local leaders have expressed their condolences to the family and emphasized the necessity for police reforms, particularly regarding the use of force in arrest situations.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
