Bird perches on fallen Police officer's casket

Nov 23, 2017

Rwego died in a car accident on Monday while chasing suspected robbers along the Katosi- Kisoga road in Mukono

The strange bird perched near Rwego's casket during the requiem mass. Photos by Juliet Lukwago

There was a strange appearance in Mulago Catholic Church, when a bird flew into church and perched on the casket containing the body of fallen Mukono Police Flying Squad commander David Rwego Muhoozi.

Rwego died in a car accident on Monday while chasing suspected robbers along the Katosi-Kisoga road in Mukono.

Rwego and other officers who were also critically injured were travelling in Rwego's private car, registration number UAT 219Q. Eye witnesses say the driver lost control and hit a tree.

The officers who sustained injuries were Julius Ssebbaale, Sam Asiimwe, Emmanuel Abbey, Alex Nantamu and another officer only identified as George.

During the mass, Rwego was described as a devoted Policeman by Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima.

Kayima also revealed that the gang which Rwego died chasing was still at large and that it is connected to many robberies in the area.

Kayihura pays tribute                                                  

Addressing mourners, the Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, hailed the officers as heroes.

"I did not know Rwego personally, but I was on my way from up-country and I watched the news on television that one of our Flying Squad commanders had died in accident while chasing robbers. This means that he died as hero," Kayihura said.

Kayihura greeting Jacquline Muhoozi during the requiem mass on Monday

Kayihura who promised to help the family through a special Police programme which helps widow and orphans of fallen officers also commended the family for allowing Rwego to serve.

He also vowed to honour Rwego by protecting Ugandans, even if it means using teargas.

The deceased's father Joseph Muhoozi, hailed his son as an officer who loved to serve his country. He vowed to convince his other son to join Police.

"My son loved Police, although he graduated as lawyer, his wish was to become a Police officer," said a tearful Muhoozi who said he last saw the deceased on Sunday. 

Rwego who was third-born, is survived by a widow Jacqueline Rwego and two children, Joan Muhoozi, 11, and a baby of 10 months.

The crestfallen widow who broke down severally said they met in 2010 when she was pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in education at Makerere University, while Rwego was at doing bachelor of laws at Uganda Christian University Mukono.

"The time I spent with my husband, I found that he was a responsible husband, who loved his family. He had plans of building a house and was anxious to celebrate the birthday of his young daughter in January. 

"God has called my husband, I promise to keep our children and see them grow into responsible citizens," she said.

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