news 23 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kiseka Market Traders Recount Harrowing One-Hour Shooting Spree
Traders at Kiseka Market were forced to close their businesses and flee for safety after a nearly hour-long shooting incident involving plain-clothed security operatives on Monday. The confrontations, which began during an attempted arrest, paralyzed business in the area for hours. Source: https://observer.ug/news/traders-recount-one-hour-shooting-spree-that-disrupted-business-at-kiseka-market
Business operations at Kiseka Market ground to a halt on Monday when plain-clothed security operatives, travelling in a notorious “drone” minibus, engaged in a prolonged shooting spree. The incident, which lasted nearly an hour, forced traders to abandon their shops and seek refuge.
The chaos erupted when operatives allegedly attempted to arrest a spare parts dealer on the second floor of the Original Kiseka Spare Parts Centre Arcade. Eyewitnesses report that the dealer asked the officers for identification and charges, but the operatives were reportedly unwilling to provide details and attempted to forcibly apprehend him.
This initial confrontation quickly escalated. As more operatives emerged from the minibus, shouts of “Who are you?” and “Where are you taking him?” echoed through the market. The situation devolved into gunfire, with shots reportedly fired into the air and towards the upper floors of the buildings where mechanics and traders were seeking cover. In response, some members of the public began throwing stones at the operatives.
Traders recounted that the operatives eventually retreated after facing resistance, initially heading towards Nabugabo police station before returning to fire more shots before leaving the scene. Calm was only restored after Military Police arrived to secure the area.
Joseph Akiiki, a motorcycle spare parts dealer, expressed confusion and fear, questioning the necessity of the indiscriminate gunfire. He highlighted concerns about the use of plain-clothed officers in such operations and the potential danger to innocent civilians.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke stated the operation was to arrest suspected offenders and that officers discharged warning shots to disperse a violent, obstructing crowd. However, videos circulating online have drawn criticism regarding the conduct of the security operatives. The incident has reignited debates about the methods used by security agencies during arrests in public spaces.