Three UWA game rangers held over colleague's shooting

MURDER | CRIME

RUKUNGIRI - The Police in Rukungiri district are holding three Uganda Wildlife Authority game rangers attached to UWA headquarters Katunguru in Rubirizi district in connection to the shooting of their colleague.

The suspects are; number 02300 Sergeant Jimmy Kisembo, number 02803 corporal Nicholas Niwanyijuka and Private Emmanuel Ewuku.

They are accused of being behind the death of Sergeant Philemon Asasira, 33, who was shot in the stomach and died on 15th March 2019 at around 8:00 PM at Rwesigiro village, Bwambara sub-county, Rukungiri district.

Asasira died while being taken to Nyakibaale hospital in Rukungiri town for treatment. 

Asasira together with three other game rangers had gone to Bwambara sub-county in an operation to crack down against ivory dealers where he met resistance with three armed dealers which resulted into an exchange of fire.

Police later in a statement said that Asasira together with three other rangers were tipped off that George Sabiiti, a resident of Rwesigiro, was selling Ivory before they disguised as buyers.

The rangers then turned against Sabiiti and attempted to arrest him.

However, three other dealers were hiding in the house as the deal was being negotiated.

The rangers used a pistol to fire bullets in the air to scare away the dealers.

It is during this process that Asasira was shot in the stomach. 

The Police spokesperson for Kigezi region Elly Maate confirmed the incident saying that the suspects are currently detained at Rukungiri Police station to help police intensify investigations on how Asasira was shot.

He also says that George Sabiiti is also still being held at the same police station.

The case is registered at Rukungiri police station under file number CRB 256/2019.