Love Triangle Leads to Fatal Shooting in Nebbi as Police Officer Kills Colleague and Injures Civilians

A domestic dispute involving a businesswoman and her boyfriend has led to a fatal shooting in Nebbi District, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to four civilians. The incident occurred when Police Constable (PC) Sam Okello, attached to Nebbi Central Police Station, attempted to arrest one Robert Ocircan for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, Praise Atuhaire.

According to police spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, Ocircan’s girlfriend had travelled from Kampala to visit him. A misunderstanding arose between the couple, prompting the woman to seek help from the police. When officers Okello and his colleague PC Joseph Olupot arrived to make the arrest, a crowd gathered and began throwing stones at them, protesting Ocircan’s apprehension.

In response to the stone-throwing mob, PC Okello discharged his firearm. Tragically, his colleague, PC Joseph Olupot, was struck by a bullet and succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at Nebbi General Hospital. Four civilians, including Charles Okecha, Irene Pimar, Joy Epifania, and Charles Oroch, were also injured in the shooting. Charles Oroch, one of the injured, stated he was shot in the thigh while trying to de-escalate the situation and prevent the crowd from attacking the officers.

Eyewitnesses suggest the disagreement began when Ocirchan wanted his girlfriend to stay in a grass-thatched house, which she refused. This led to the girlfriend contacting the police. The police have opened a General Enquiry into the incident, recovered the firearm used, and detained the suspect, PC Okello, for further investigations. Statements have been recorded, and the scene examined for evidence, with postmortem and forensic reports pending.

This incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the unpredictable consequences of escalating public altercations. The tragic chain of events began with a personal relationship conflict but ended with loss of life and injuries to innocent bystanders.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)