Kagadi Police officer shoots dead off-duty soldier during disarmament attempt

KAGADI - The Police in Kagadi district are holding their own for allegedly shooting dead a Ugandan soldier at a football pitch in Kyaterekera town council in Kagadi district.

The suspect has been identified as Umalu Mugisa 50, attached to Kyaterekera Police post, while the deceased, who has been on official leave, is  Sande Omuhereza Tuhaise, 34, resident of Kitumba A cell in Kyaterekera town council, Kagadi district.

Albertine Police region spokesperson Julius Allan Hakiza said Omuhereza was shot in a scuffle to disarm a police officer at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School playground in Kitumba ward during the football match finals between Supper Lions FC and Lyanda FC, under the Go Back to School tournament.

Hakiza says the suspect has been arrested and a murder case opened at Kagadi Central Police Station under the reference KGD/CRB/152/2026.

According to the spokesperson, the February 9, 2026, incident happened at about 4:00pm and that Mugisa who had been deployed together with six other officers to man security at the playground, developed an argument with the deceased over the shillings 2,000 entrance fee.

The deceased's relatives gathered at Kitumba A Village in Kyaterekera Town Council, mourning their beloved. (Credit: Andrew Musinguzi)

The Police say moments before the fatal shooting, one of the clubs scored a goal, causing Omuhereza to open the fence in celebration. He was, however, blocked by the Police officer, causing a scuffle.

It is during this scuffle that Omuhereza attempted to disarm Mugisa, compelling the suspect to shoot him dead.

"As Police, we regret the incident, but I caution the public to respect armed personnel on duty," Hakiza said.

The body of the deceased was taken to Kagadi general hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Hillarly Bwambale, the officer in-charge-Kyaterekera police post, said he decided to forward the case to higher authorities for further management.

Kagadi Resident District Commissioner Carol  Kashaija Nashemeza condemned the act and cautioned security personnel to desist from taking the law into their hands. She said investigations are on going to ascertain the cause of the shooting.

"I strongly condemn the act and advise security personnel to use legal means and teamwork in handling unarmed persons rather than shooting. I caution civilians against fighting with armed security personnel or attempting to disarm an officer on duty as a way of avoiding such re-occurrences," she said.