Boda Boda Rider Fatally Shot During National Cleaning Day Enforcement

A tragic incident unfolded in Kanaaba, Ndejje, on Saturday morning when a 38-year-old boda boda rider, Ronald Kizito Jjuuko, was fatally shot. The shooting occurred amidst the enforcement of movement restrictions for the second National Cleaning Day.

Reports from residents indicate that Jjuuko was on his motorcycle, heading towards his home shortly after 7 am. He encountered police officers who were enforcing the mandatory three-hour cleaning exercise.

Eyewitnesses claim the officer, identified as Allan Okello from the Ndejje police post, fired at Jjuuko from behind as he had already passed the officers’ location. A resident, Hassan Ssezi, stated that the officers were not easily visible, and Jjuuko may not have noticed them until it was too late.

Jjuuko appeared to have been working through the night and was returning home before the movement restrictions came into effect. Residents have also raised concerns about the alleged erratic behavior of some officers from the Ndejje police post in the past.

Jjuuko’s body has been transported to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the shooting, including the justification and adherence to police procedures in the use of force.

The incident follows a stern warning from the police on Friday, urging the public to cooperate with security personnel during the cleaning day and avoid confrontations, as violations could lead to the use of force. Unlike the previous cleaning day, authorities had indicated a stricter enforcement approach for this exercise.

Police maintain that their deployment was to ensure public order and safety, emphasizing that any use of force must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, in accordance with established procedures.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)