A police man in Kassanda District has shot himself dead under unclear circumstances.
The officer identified as PC Kitiyo Alex, 47, who is attached to Makokota Police post in Kassanda district, is said to have first fired several rounds of ammunition into the room of the O/C, Mr John Kakooza.
He then later locked himself into his room and shot himself dead. The incident happened at around 5am on Wednesday.
Wamala regional police spokesman Rachel Kawaala said they are investigating the matter. She said the deceased was not saying anything during the shooting and it is not clear whether his intention was to kill the O/C.
“Preliminary facts indicate that Kitiyo woke up and shot several bullets into the room of his in-charge police post John Kakooza while not talking anything, then he later returned to his room sat on his bed and shot himself dead,” she said.
“Scene of crime has been visited and documented by our task team Relevant statements are being recorded to guide on investigation,” she added.
The officer’s death is a continuation of gun violence that is gripping the country amid concerns by experts that the government and private security agencies are not doing enough to handle mental health of the officers in the face of the rising cost of living.
Since the May 2 killing of State Labour Minister Col (rtd) Charles Engola, allegedly by his bodyguard Pte Wilson Sabiiti, several other killings involving security guards, soldiers and police men have taken place.
On May 12, Ivan Wabwire, a police constance, shot dead a moneylender, Uttam Bhandari, at his Rajja Chamber offices on Parliamentary Avenue in the city centre.
On May 13, 2023, John Mujumbi, 25, a guard attached to Capital Guards and Patrol, was shot dead allegedly by his colleague Peter Ochoroi after an argument in their rented home in Konge, Makindye Division, Kampala City.
On May 6, UPDF soldier allegedly shot one Rebecca Masika, 25, and injured Ivan Tugume, who are residents of Kamina landing site in Ndaiga Sub County, Kagadi District over a land dispute.
