Police in Kamuli Municipality are investigating an accidental shooting that left two private security guards injured at the premises of a security company.
The incident occurred on Friday morning at Blue Light Guards (U) Limited in Bunangwe Zone, Northern Division. According to police, a firearm discharged unintentionally during a routine safety inspection, striking two guards.
Busoga North Police spokesperson Samson Lubega said the weapon was being checked by a 23-year-old guard, Anthony Batanda, when a bullet was accidentally fired.
The injured men were identified as Dennis Kabiri, 20, who suffered a wound to his left toe, and Hussein Mugolo, 58, who sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg. Both were taken to Kamuli General Hospital for treatment.
Police have opened a case of unlawful wounding as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
The shooting has also renewed concerns about firearm safety within Uganda’s private security industry.
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“You are required to strictly observe firearm handling and safety procedures at all times to prevent injuries and loss of life,” Mr Lubega said.
He warned that private security companies must ensure proper supervision and training of their personnel, adding that company owners could be held accountable for failures involving their recruits.
The incident has further highlighted concerns over the welfare of security guards who suffer injuries while on duty.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Mugolo and his wife, Nabirye Hussein, appealed to their employer for medical and financial support. Mr Mugolo is the family’s sole source of income.
Ms Nabirye said injured guards are often left to face the consequences of workplace accidents without adequate assistance from their employers.
“On numerous occasions, security guard companies have left victims to bear full responsibility after sustaining injuries while on duty. This situation is truly appalling and shocking,” she said.
Her concerns reflect a broader debate about the treatment of private security personnel who are injured in the line of duty.
One such case is that of Jukira Mohammed Lubwama, now 68, who was seriously injured in a shooting at Pita Oil Petrol Station in Kamuli in 2019. The incident claimed two lives and left him with permanent mobility challenges.
Mr Lubwama, who now relies on crutches, said his former employers stopped supporting him several years ago, leaving him dependent on public assistance.
“I am truly humbled that NMG, through Spark TV, acknowledged my situation and provided some financial assistance from viewers during their Kyanaku programme. However, since then, I have been in complete economic hardship,” he said.
Police say inquiries into the Bunangwe Zone shooting are ongoing.
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