The government has expressed regret over the fatal police shooting of six Ugandans, allegedly involved in a robbery scheme in Kampala.
The incident took place during an operation targeting suspects near a local bank branch in Kololo and Acacia Mall, sparking public outrage and raising questions about the use of lethal force without sufficient evidence.
General Kahinda Otafiire, Minister for Internal Affairs, condemned the killings, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to legal procedures. “Under no circumstances should a Ugandan be executed. I regret that these six Ugandans were gunned down on mere suspicion,” Otafiire stated. “Arrests and detentions must be based on solid evidence. Do not arrest anyone until the facts are clear.”
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Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba also expressed sorrow over the incident and urged officers to prioritize lawful conduct. “The loss of life is regrettable. Police are meant to protect life and property, not cause harm. If life is to be lost, it must be within the law. Let us follow due procedures, even while defending the rights of victims,” he said, calling for a thorough investigation to assess whether the officers’ actions were legally justified.
The killings have reignited long-standing concerns about extrajudicial executions in Uganda, which violate the Constitution and international human rights agreements. Uganda’s Constitution guarantees the right to life and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Additionally, as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Uganda is obligated to ensure fair trials and prevent arbitrary deprivation of life.
In Parliament, lawmakers criticized the police’s actions. MP Theodore Ssekikubo questioned the use of lethal force, stating, “These six Ugandans were killed under suspicion of robbery. How certain were the authorities? There must be a clear and justifiable process before such extreme measures are taken.”
MP Betty Nambooze also condemned the incident, questioning whether it was justice or indiscriminate execution. “The law does not grant the power to take lives arbitrarily. This is not justice—it’s lawlessness,” she said, calling for a comprehensive investigation to establish accountability and prevent future occurrences.
The public has expressed frustration over the incident, citing unchecked police powers and eroding trust in law enforcement. Human rights advocates argue that transparent investigations and holding those responsible accountable are critical to restoring public confidence in the justice system.
Earlier this week, police revealed ongoing investigations into robbers targeting businesspersons withdrawing large sums of money from banks. Two suspects from the group remain at large, with police linking them to an earlier robbery in which a businessman’s car was attacked in traffic and Shs100 million was stolen.
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