By Kyamanduma Patrick,
Gen. Wilberforce Serunkuma, the Uganda People’s Defense Forces 2nd Division Commander, has issued a stern warning to civilians about the dangers of attacking armed security personnel.
His warning follows recent incidents where civilians were shot dead by police officers during confrontations after one Kenneth Mutusi, 40, a resident of Nyakanengo village, Muhanga town council in Rukiga district among others, was shot dead by a police officer for forcefully entering the home of Rosette Kyarisiima, 39 whom he intented to kill over a land dispute.
Colonel Serunkuma explained that attacking security officers creates suspicion that the attacker might be a criminal or a rebel seeking to seize guns and ammunition to destabilize the state, forcing officers to act in self-defense. Col. Wilberforce speaking……
Inspector of Police Elly Maate, the police spokesperson for the Kigezi region, expressed frustration that the public often blames security officers after such incidents without considering the actions and intentions of the attackers. IP Elly Maate speaking……
Mr. Maate stressed the importance of understanding the context in which officers’ act, emphasizing that their primary aim is to protect themselves and maintain public order. END