Kikuube RDC orders arrest of officers over resident’s killing

KIKUUBE - The Kikuube resident district commissioner (RDC), Amlan Tumusiime, has ordered the arrest of National Forestry Authority (NFA) and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 50-year-old man and the injury of his son in Kikuube district.

Ronald Munyasonza, a resident of Rwekobe village, Nyairongo in Kaseta parish, Kabwoya subcounty, was allegedly shot dead on the spot by a UPDF officer during an operation on Sunday at around 2 pm.

His son, Bosco Tuikunde, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg as he rushed to check on his father.

According to Tumusiime, the UPDF officer was providing security for NFA officers who were conducting an operation in Bugoma Forest Reserve. The officers had raided Munyasonza’s home, suspecting that he was in possession of charcoal illegally obtained from the reserve.

A police report submitted to Tumusiime’s office indicated that before the fatal shooting, an NFA supervisor—whose identity was withheld to avoid interfering with investigations—allegedly stabbed Munyasonza with a machete found in his compound.

Tumusiime further stated that the confrontation escalated when the officers attempted to impound five sacks of charcoal found at the deceased’s home. Munyasonza resisted, insisting that the charcoal was made from trees harvested on his own farm.

“The officers stormed the home of the deceased and found five sacks of charcoal. They attempted to impound it, but the deceased objected, saying it was from his farm. As they argued, an NFA supervisor picked up a machete from the compound and stabbed him. The UPDF officer then shot him in the chest, killing him instantly,” Tumusiime said.

The casket containing remains of the deceased on RDC Tumusiime's car as he helped the family to transport the body to its resting place. (Credit: Peter Abaanabsazi)

Following the incident, the officers fled the scene, leaving behind two motorcycles, which enraged residents set ablaze.

Tumusiime condemned the officers' actions and directed NFA to hand over all those involved to the police for investigations. He also confirmed that his office was coordinating with UPDF officials to ensure the arrest of the officer who fired the fatal shot.

He urged residents not to generalise the incident as a failure of the UPDF institution, stressing that the act was committed by an individual officer who must be held accountable. He also called for a court martial to ensure justice.

Tumusiime revealed that after a meeting with NFA officials, an agreement was reached for the organisation to cover burial expenses. Further discussions with the bereaved family will be held to offer an apology and explore compensation options.

Following the meeting, Tumusiime facilitated the transportation of Munyasonza’s body to Rwekobe village for burial preparations.

Albertine regional police spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, confirmed that a postmortem had been conducted and the body handed over to the family.

He added that police had launched an investigation into the killing and opened a case file for murder and attempted murder. A manhunt for the suspects is ongoing.

Boaz Basigirenda, the NFA range manager for the Budongo system, defended the officers' actions, claiming they fired in self-defence after residents turned violent.

He noted that during the scuffle, a female UPDF officer was injured, and two motorcycles were torched by the mob.