A police officer identified as NO.50158 PC Opio Charles, attached to the Field Force Unit (FFU) Mbarara, shot and killed CPL Yeremiah Paper, a UPDF Officer attached to Ruhengyere Engineering Brigade at the Police/Prison Cell.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — A shocking incident unfolded in Mbarara as Police Constable Opio Charles, badge number 50158 and a member of the Field Force Unit (FFU) Mbarara, shot and killed Lance Corporal Yeremiah Paper, a soldier attached to the Ruhengyere Engineering Brigade of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF).
The unfortunate event occurred at the Police/Prison Cell within the premises of FFU, located opposite the Bank of Uganda Mbarara branch.
Preliminary Details of the Incident
Junior police spokesperson Polly Namaye confirmed the occurrence of the tragic incident on Friday evening. According to Senior Police Officer Emmanuel Bwambale, the District Police Commander (DPC) for Mbarara CPS, the fatal confrontation between the two individuals transpired following a prior misunderstanding.
The scene of the incident was meticulously examined and documented by the police. Police Constable Opio Charles, the alleged perpetrator, has since been apprehended and is currently detained at Mbarara CPS. Additionally, the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting has been seized as evidence.
In the aftermath of the incident, the body of Lance Corporal Yeremiah Paper was transported to the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examination, shedding further light on the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
Unsettling Increase in Gun-Related Violence
This latest tragedy adds to the concerning surge in gun violence incidents across the country. In the past two weeks alone, at least eight individuals have lost their lives in separate shooting incidents that have taken place in Kampala and various regions.
Earlier this month, State Minister for Labour, Colonel (Rtd) Charles Engola, fell victim to a fatal shooting perpetrated by his own bodyguard, Private Wilson Sabiiti, who subsequently turned the gun on himself.
Just days later, popular vlogger and social media critic Ibrahim Tusuubira, known as Isma Olaxes or Jjaja Ichuli, was shot and killed by unidentified assailants upon his return home in Kyanja.
In a separate incident, a private security guard employed by SGA Security Company tragically ended his own life while on duty along Buganda Road.
Concerns over Gun Violence
This incident is the latest addition to the alarming rise in gun violence cases within the country. Over the past two weeks, separate shooting incidents have resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals in Kampala and various regions.
This escalating trend has sparked concerns among the public regarding their safety, as more firearms end up in the wrong hands.
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Official Statement on the Mbarara Shooting
The Territorial Police in Mbarara is actively investigating the shooting incident that took place on May 19, 2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m.
It has been reported that Police Constable Opio Charles, attached to the Field Force Unit (FFU) Mbarara, shot and killed Lance Corporal Yeremiah Paper, a UPDF Officer assigned to the Ruhengyere Engineering Brigade, within the Police/Prison Cell at the FFU premises opposite the Bank of Uganda Mbarara branch.
Preliminary findings suggest that a misunderstanding between the two individuals escalated into the tragic shooting. The suspect has been arrested and is currently being held at CPS Mbarara, while the firearm believed to have been used in the incident has been recovered and secured as evidence.
The deceased’s body has been transferred to the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Statement on Mbarara Shooting incident@PollyNamaye "The Territorial Police in Mbarara is actively investigating a case of shooting that happened today 19th May 2023 at about 1800hrs.
It is reported that a police officer identified as NO.50158 PC Opio Charles attached to the… pic.twitter.com/sCKT12OkdT— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) May 19, 2023
Further updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided in due course. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.
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