Namutumba, Uganda: Police in Namutumba District have launched investigations into a fatal shooting that left a 28-year-old man dead and another injured during an operation by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement team.
The deceased has been identified as Kawanguzi Ashiraf, a resident of Igulamubiri Village in Bubutya Parish, Bulange Sub-county, while a second victim, Abdullah, 50, sustained injuries to the hand.
Confirming the incident, Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said preliminary findings indicate that URA officers were pursuing an unidentified motor vehicle suspected to be transporting smuggled goods on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at around 10:00 am.
“Unidentified Uganda Revenue Authority officers were in pursuit of a motor vehicle of unknown number plate carrying suspected smuggled goods,” ASP Kasadha said in a statement.
He explained that upon reaching Namasere Village in Bulange Sub-county, the officers reportedly lost track of the vehicle and sought assistance from locals to locate it. The vehicle was later found abandoned.
According to police, tensions escalated when a section of residents allegedly turned against the URA officers and began drumming, which authorities interpreted as incitement to violence.
“In the turn of events, a section of residents turned against the URA officers and started inciting violence by drumming, which prompted the armed officers to fire bullets,” Kasadha stated.
Kawanguzi was reportedly wounded during the shooting and later died while being rushed to a nearby medical facility.
The body was conveyed to Iganga General Hospital mortuary at Nakavule for post-mortem examination.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the use of firearms during the operation.
Leaders Condemn Incident
Bulange Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Wandera Musolin condemned the manner in which the URA officers handled the operation, describing the force used as excessive.
Meanwhile, Namutumba Resident District Commissioner Aggrey Fredrick Bangu confirmed the incident and called for calm as police continue investigations.
“We urge the public to remain calm as security agencies establish what exactly transpired,” the RDC said.
At press time, police said the matter was still under active investigation.
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