In a shocking and terrifying incident, a group of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers reportedly stormed the Lubowa Police Station in the Kajjansi area, assaulted police officers and civilians, and looted personal belongings in what police described as a case of aggravated robbery and attempted murder.
A police report obtained by ChimpReports states that the incident occurred around 8:00 PM on April 30, when ASP Sunday Innocent, the Officer in Charge (OC) of Lubowa Police Station, received a phone call from a man identifying himself as Lt. Samson Amo of the Special Forces Command (SFC).
Lt. Amo reportedly ordered the OC to prepare for the detention of eight individuals who had allegedly been arrested in an undisclosed operation that took place in Lubowa.
When ASP Sunday inquired about the nature of the operation and the crimes committed by the suspects, Lt. Amo allegedly insulted him, telling the officer to “stop being stupid.”
While the OC was attempting to understand the situation and was speaking to a soldier who was accompanied by RA 250778 Private Emmanuel Opio, he invited them into his office for further clarification.
However, before any explanations could be given, the police station was suddenly surrounded by approximately 12 armed UPDF soldiers traveling in a military vehicle with registration number H4DF 3348.
The report reads:
“What followed was chaos and brutality: the soldiers pointed guns at everyone, beat up the OC and other police officers on duty, and assaulted civilians who had come to the station.” The soldiers then fled the scene as local residents began gathering around the station in response to the commotion.
Among those severely injured were the eight individuals brought in by Lt. Amo, six of whom were admitted to a hospital with serious injuries. The exact reasons for their initial arrest remain unclear.
During the attack, five police officers were assaulted and robbed:
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ASP Sunday Innocent
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D/IP Claire Kisa
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Sgt Khaka
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D/Sgt Njose
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D/C Tubwita
Three police mobile phones were stolen, alongside an unknown number of civilian phones and other personal belongings. The total number of injured civilians has not yet been determined as many fled the scene in fear.
As of now, the UPDF has not issued any official statement regarding the incident allegedly involving its soldiers.
