Security Forces authorized to shoot cattle thieves on sight

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LYANTONDE - In a dramatic incident in Lyantonde, Greater Masaka, the territorial police are probing a case of murder by shooting, involving the death of a suspected cattle thief.

The incident occurred on the night of May 28, 2024, at 1:30am, and has been documented under reference GEF 009/2024 by Lyantonde police.

Twaha Kasirye, the spokesperson for Greater Masaka police, provided details about the incident, which was first reported by a Military officer (names withheld) via telephone.

According to the security personnel, a group of cattle thieves was intercepted while in the act of slaughtering a bull, allegedly stolen from a nearby Farm.

One suspect was shot dead by army personnel who responded to the theft.

Upon receiving the report, a team of police officers, the homicide team, and the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), proceeded to the location to manage the scene.

The deceased's body was retrieved and transported to Lyantonde Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination, according to Police.

At the scene, three discharged cartridges were recovered, indicating close-range shooting by the army officers involved.

The body of the deceased, identified through a duplicate National Identity card as Edson Kamuhanda, was found lying on its back, dressed in grey trousers with a brown belt, a white and blue t-shirt, and black gumboots.

The body exhibited multiple bullet wounds around the chest and both legs, consistent with close-range gunfire, according to a copy of a Police report seen by New Vision.

Additional relevant exhibits recovered from the scene included a button phone and a brown wallet containing Kamuhanda’s identification.

The report also indicates that the scene also featured a slaughtered bull with white and black spots and short horns, tied with a sisal rope binding all its legs together. A panga with a green handle, a knife with an orange handle, and a sack weighing 25 kilograms were also discovered near the scene.

“Notably, two army officers were present at the scene but disappeared before further questioning could take place. Their involvement and subsequent disappearance have raised concerns and will be part of the ongoing investigation,” reads the report.

Community reacts to security measures

The incident has sparked a significant reaction from the local community, with many expressing mixed feelings about the use of lethal force by security personnel.

While some residents support the strict measures to curb cattle theft, others are calling for more regulated and humane approaches to law enforcement.

Kasirye assured the public that the police are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

He emphasized that while the security forces have the mandate to protect property and lives, the use of force must always be justified and in accordance with the law.

“The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the actions of the army personnel involved and the broader context of cattle theft in the region. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses,” he added.