Four injured in police shootout over noise pollution in Napak

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At least four residents were injured on Saturday, July 12, after police raided a home in Kangole town council, Napak district.

The incident occurred at the residence of Joseph Lomonyang, an aspiring NRM flag bearer for the Bokora East constituency.

When contacted, the LC3 chairperson for Kangole Town Council, Joseph Lokabale, confirmed the police operation.

“It’s true the police raided the home of the Movement (NRM) flag contender,” he said, noting that the officers were responding to complaints of blaring music.

Lokabale said that during the altercation, three people were shot and are currently receiving treatment at Matany Hospital, located approximately 14 kilometres west of Kangole town.

Pressed for further details, Lokabale declined to elaborate, citing a crisis meeting that had been convened at Lomonyang’s residence.

“We held a meeting, but I want to refer you to the police public relations officer, Mike Longole,” he said, adding that Longole would provide the full account.

The meeting was reportedly attended by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) 3rd Division Commander, Gen. William Wilberforce Sserunkuma, and Mt. Moroto regional police commander, Ahmed Madiri.

According to available information, bar owners, residents, and political aspirants held a dialogue in the town council at the onset of the movement campaigns two weeks ago. They collectively agreed on measures to reduce noise pollution in order to allow residents adequate rest at night.

However, supporters of Lomonyang allegedly defied the agreement, prompting the police to enforce the law.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Mike Longole confirmed that some officers were also injured during the violent confrontation with a crowd in the town council.

He explained that the incident occurred when a foot patrol encountered residents playing loud music while campaigning. The police requested that they reduce the volume, but the appeal was ignored, and officers were instead pelted with stones.

“The police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd,” Longole said, adding that the situation quickly escalated into chaos.

He identified Elijah Akol and Paul Losike as among the injured. Others include Simon Ilukol and an individual identified only as Badu, who was likely struck with a gun butt.

Longole added that investigations have been launched into the incident, and the police are working to identify those responsible for the violence.

He also appealed to political contenders to avoid generating excessive noise at night.