Police in Namasagali has lost one of its officer and another still in hospital fighting for her life.
The incident happened when an irate mob attacked the police officers after they rescued and took into custody two traditional healers, who allegedly bewitched two village members to death during the month of July 2021.
According to the police statement, on Sunday, September 26 at around 6 pm, police at Namasagali, responded to a life-threatening situation, where they rescued two traditional healers, identified as Namuyindo Yosam and Ojja Joseph, from an irate mob at Kadungu “B” village, Kisakye Parish, Namasagali sub-county in Kamuli district.
The two victims were rushed to Namasagali police station for safe custody. While at the station, the violent mob armed with pangas, sticks, and stones attacked the officers with a view of lynching the two suspects.
Attempts to counter them with warning shots were fruitless. Two of the officers namely; Sgt Nakabuye Florence and Detective constable Kasolo Francis, sustained very serious injuries after they were overwhelmed and disarmed by the ring leader Buyinza Buyala and his accomplices.
One of the rescued victims, Namuyindo Yosam, was fatally wounded by stray bullets, during the scuffle for the police gun. It is also unfortunate that D/C Kasolo Francis, succumbed to the injuries while being rushed to hospital.
A crime preventer identified as Bagadira David, who was riding a motorcycle during the rescue mission, was also attacked, injured, and in critical condition, but admitted at Kamuli Mission Hospital.
The security situation in the village and the immediate neighborhood was restored after reinforcements from Kamuli District, Police Headquarters. An immediate cordon and search operation was conducted in the village, which led to the recovery of the two police guns, in the home of Buyinza Buyala. In addition, a blood-stained panga was also recovered and exhibited.
“We want to assure the public that we have directed sufficient resources to the investigation, to help apprehend all suspects involved in the horrendous tragedy. So far, 11suspects are in custody. These include; Muzaale Isima, Walujo Karim, Mpule Robert, Wanjala Yoweri, Oliga Yoweri, Magala Silvester, Wabwire Zabwe, Mvabagwa Yonah Dooba, Ekijati John, Mugatu Ewaku and Abiora Alex,” says Police in a statement.
It adds that efforts are in place to trace for the prime suspect Buyinza Buyala, with several accomplices who have fled from the village.
“We urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of Buyinza Buyala, to pass it in confidence to the police in Kamuli,” it says.