UCU Student Fatally Shot by Security Guard in Mukono
On Sunday, 4th June 2023, a private security guard shot and killed a 25-year-old student, Agaba Rodney, in Mukono, Uganda. The shooting occurred at a fuel station in the Kiwanga suburb of Mukono District. Preliminary investigations suggest that a dispute between the security guard and the deceased led to the escalation of the situation, resulting in the fatal shooting. The incident has raised concerns about the use of firearms by security personnel and calls for improved training in handling such situations.
According to Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the altercation between the security guard, identified as Tugume Kadili, aged 27, and Agaba Rodney allegedly began when the latter attempted to climb over a wall fence within the security guard’s assigned area. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading the guard to discharge his firearm, fatally injuring Agaba. Prompt medical attention was provided, but tragically, Agaba succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to Gwatilo Health Center.
Upon arriving at the scene, the police discovered two cartridge casings and an army green vehicle with a suspected bullet hole. A firearm, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting, was also recovered, along with live ammunition found near a pool of blood. These items have been seized as evidence in the ongoing investigation. Tugume Kadili, the security guard involved, has been apprehended and is currently detained at Seeta Police Station to aid in the investigation.
Local residents shared a different account of the incident, stating that Agaba had gone to survey land left to him by his mother. While conducting the survey, a rope fell on the fuel station’s side, prompting Agaba to climb the fence to retrieve it. The use of firearms in public spaces was strongly condemned by residents, who called on the government to retrain all law enforcement officers, particularly those employed by private security companies, to ensure their competence in handling similar situations.
Deputy KMP PRO, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, reassured the public that the Mukono Police Division is fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. He urged the public to remain calm and patient as the police diligently work to gather all the necessary facts. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of caution when dealing with security guards, especially those employed by private companies who may not have received sufficient training.
The shooting of Agaba Rodney marks the second incident of a student being shot within a fortnight. Previously, Natasha Nagayi, a 21-year-old student at Uganda Christian University, was shot in the chest by an Anti-Terrorism Police officer on May 20 in the Nabuti Cell of Mukono Central Division. These incidents have raised concerns about the use of firearms by law enforcement and the need for comprehensive measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
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