Policeman shot in FUFA House scuffle

PIC: Ex-Cranes international Dan Walusimbi and co were arrested. (Credit: Silvano Kibuuka)

KAMPALA - A group of retired Uganda Cranes footballers led by self-proclaimed FUFA ‘boss' Dan Walusimbi again stormed the football headquarters in Mengo Wednesday morning and demanded access to assume leadership of the game, causing gunfire that injured a police constable.

The probation police constable Benard Ibanda was among the security personnel who were blocking the group from accessing FUFA president Moses Magogo's office.

Magogo was due to host the minister of sports in Buganda Kingdom and hand over their contribution towards the Kabaka's Birthday Run for this weekend to Henry Sekabembe when a group of about 60 people led by Walusimbi struck.

Police and the private guards at the offices claim the four bullets were "mysteriously" discharged from an assault rifle of a Police officer only identified as Samson from Old Kampala.

"I didn't shoot but was surprised when the bullets went off as we tried to negotiate with the group to stop what they were doing," said Samson.

The bullets hit the concrete floor at the entrance of FUFA House and one ricocheted off the ground and hit Ibanda - who let out a loud cry - in the left high.

"Samson you have killed me. Why have you killed me?" the middle-aged officer was heard saying as he cried for help before he was rushed to Mulago Hospital.

During the fracas, Walusimbi and his group retreated to their convergence point nearby, before he and his aide Qudusu Elasu reappeared at the scene.

Mean-looking men dressed in civilian clothes appeared and chased after the fleeing Elasu (pictured below left).

They they bundled him and his boss onto a waiting police truck and sped off to Old Kampala Police Station.

FUFA had to call off the press conference with Buganda Kingdom.

Ssimwogerere and Walusimbi and his accomplices were last week bailed out from Mwanga II Magistrates Court after they had been remanded to Luzira Prison until March 30 for trespass in FUFA.

It was their first time returning to the football headquarters since that time.