Police, UPDF Guns Examined Over Killing 54 People

Ballistic and forensic experts have started examining some guns belonging to Uganda People’s Defence Forces –UPDF and Uganda Police Force –UPF on suspicions of having been used to kill and injure dozens of people during protests that followed the arrest of presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

UPDF soldiers and policemen wreaked havoc in two days’ protests majorly in greater Kampala that covers the City, Wakiso and Mukono districts. At least 54 died after they were shot by soldiers, policemen and operatives in casual wears.

President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni and Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga quoting Criminal Investigations Directorate –CID findings said 32 of the 54 people were rioters while 20 others were innocently killed.

In order to understand who shot and killed innocent people, ballistic experts were tasked to analyze bullet casings recovered from various spots in Kampala as well as examining bullets that were retrieved from bodies.

Enanga said some guns have already been removed from security personnel who were captured on Closed Circuit Television –CCTV shooting purposely to understand whether their guns were responsible for the death of innocent Ugandans.

If found culpable, the soldiers and policemen risk being charged in criminal courts on charges of murder. A number of people were innocently shot at while they were in their shops, on building balcony and others were bystanders.

Besides the killed 54, more than 100 other people were left nursing wounds. Tibuhaburwa has since ordered for the compensation of the innocently killed persons as well as those who sustained injuries during the two days running battles.

Kyagulanyi, who is perceived as Tibuhaburwa’s biggest threat in the January 14th presidential elections, has been brutalized by military and police. On November 18th he was arrested from his campaign venue in Luuka district something that sparked off protests.