Kampala Metropolitan police are investigating a case of murder by shooting that occurred on May 12, 2023, at Rajja Chambers in Central Division.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Police in Kampala are investigating a case of murder by shooting that took place on May 12th, 2023, at Rajja Chambers in Central Division.
Uttam Bhandari, an Indian national and the director of TFS Financial Services, was shot dead allegedly by a police officer identified as No.67029 PC Wabwire Ivan.
The incident occurred along Parliamentary Avenue, and the police have cordoned off the area as they investigate the cause of the shooting.
The victim, Uttam Bhandari, an Indian national and director of TFS Financial Services, was allegedly shot dead by a police officer only identified as No.67029 PC Wabwire Ivan. The incident happened at Raja Chambers along Parliamentary Avenue at around 12:30 pm.
The Suspect and Victim’s Relationship
According to reports, the suspect, PC Ivan, had acquired a loan from TFS financial services in 2020. He came to the victim to get a quotation to take to an unidentified bank so that the bank could buy off the loan.
After the shooting, he fled on a boda boda and abandoned the gun at Central Police Station in Kampala. Efforts are being made to apprehend the suspect for further inquiries.
Reassurance to Indian Business Community
Following the incident, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, held a meeting with the delegation of the Indian business community living in Uganda.
The DIGP emphasized that the shooting should not be regarded as a case of organized or targeted crime but as an isolated incident.
He expressed the readiness of the police force to protect all business communities, urging them not to let this incident discourage them from conducting business. The authorities are actively working to apprehend and prosecute the suspect.
Police Officer on the Run
The police officer responsible for the shooting, PC Ivan Wabwire, is currently on the run and wanted for murder. Mr. Onyango, Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, identified him as No.67029 police constable.
The officer had been servicing two loans since 2020, with the first loan being deducted directly from his salary while the second one was not. When he was told the amount he owed, he reportedly got incensed and started arguing, eventually shooting Bhandari.
After the shooting, the officer jumped on a boda boda bike and rushed to Central Police Station in Kampala where he abandoned the killer gun, an AK47. Police said he will be tracked and arrested.
Condolences and Support
The police expressed their sincere and heartfelt condolences to the close family members, friends, and the entire Indian business community residing in Uganda.
As a gesture of support, they contributed five million Uganda shillings towards the burial arrangements.
Recent Shooting Incidents
Bhandari’s shooting comes just days after State Minister for Labour Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola was shot by his bodyguard, Pte Wilson Sabiiti, at his home in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb, on May 2nd, 2023.
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Pte Sabiiti committed suicide after the shooting.
On May 6th, 2023, popular Ugandan vlogger, Ibrahim Tusubira, also known as Jjajja Ichuli, aka Isma Olaxxes, was shot dead by unknown persons as he returned home in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb.
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