KAMPALA: A Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) deserter is in trouble for attempting to disarm a police officer on duty at Kabalagala Police Station in Kampala on Monday night.
A police official in Kampala says the suspect is Hussein Kakonge, 46, a former guard with Security 2000 in the Muyenga suburbs. He was a UPDF deserter and used to work for Security 2000.
It is alleged that Kakonge, who sought refuge at the police station, turned against Police Constable Junior Bamwesigye with the purpose of disarming him of his rifle. Bamwesigye was manning the police counter at the time of the attack.
Early on, police say that Kakonge told the officers at the Kabalagala Police Station that he was a guard and that he had been fired by his bosses.
“He said he was looking for a place to spend the night. Our officer, under the police mandate of protecting life and property, gave him bedding to rest near the counter. To their surprise, Kakonge woke up at 1 am and attempted to disarm an officer at the counter, “Owoyesigire said.
Bamwesigye made an alarm that attracted other officers manning security at the gate, who came in and subdued the suspect, who had turned violent. Owoyesigyire explains that their investigations show that Kakonge has a military background. In 1996, he joined the UPDF and served in Somalia, fighting against the Lord Resistance Army and other groups.
“After his return from the Somalia mission, he deserted the UPDF and joined Security 2000, where he was also fired. The police are currently working with the UPDF to ascertain more facts on why he deserted, “Owoyesigyire stated.” The police have warned their officers to remain vigilant and alert while on duty because of the existing threat.
The suspect is locked up at the Kabalagala Police Division, where he has been charged with attempted murder, desertion, and an attempt to steal a gun.