The Uganda Police Force has arrested one of its own officers following the fatal shooting of a boda-boda rider who allegedly attempted to pass through a secured area during the monthly National Cleaning Day exercise in Ndejje, Wakiso District.
The suspect, identified as Police Constable Allan Okello, is currently in custody as homicide detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the Saturday morning incident within Katwe Police Division.
According to Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the fatal shooting occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at Ndejje Kanaaba, where officers from Ndejje Police Station had been deployed to provide security and enforce compliance during the community cleaning initiative.
Preliminary police reports indicate that the deceased, identified via his National Identification Card as 38-year-old Ronald Juuko Kizito, was riding his motorcycle when he attempted to force his way through a barricaded section. A confrontation ensued, during which Constable Okello discharged his firearm, striking and killing the rider.
"The Uganda Police Force has registered and commenced investigations into a shooting incident that occurred on 29 August 2026 at around 7:30 a.m. at Ndejje Kanaaba, within Katwe Police Division," ACP Kituuma said in a statement issued on Saturday. "The officer has been arrested, and investigations are underway to establish the circumstances under which he discharged his firearm, resulting in the death of the rider."
Addressing the conduct of enforcement personnel during public exercises, ACP Kituuma emphasized the legal boundaries governing the use of force by security officers. He cautioned that while police officers are legally mandated to maintain public order and protect life and property, any use of force must be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and strictly guided by the law, established police operational procedures, and the prevailing circumstances.
The tragedy occurred during Uganda's second official National Cleaning Day, a national initiative led by the Office of the Prime Minister aimed at improving public health and sanitation. Held on the last Saturday of every month between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., the exercise imposes temporary restrictions on vehicular movement and commercial activities across the country.
While public movement is largely restricted during these three hours, police management recently outlined specific exemptions to ensure critical services are not disrupted. Under the guidelines, emergency services, medical personnel, patients seeking healthcare, journalists, foreign tourists, and cross-border transport vehicles are allowed passage upon presenting proper identification to security personnel on duty.
