Kalaki, Uganda | A police officer in Kalaki District fatally shot a suspect earlier today following a violent confrontation during an attempted arrest in Omua Village, Lwala Parish, Otubo Sub-county.
The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the death of Eracho Moses, who reportedly attacked officers with a machete and slasher when they tried to arrest him on charges of criminal trespass and malicious damage.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Haji Ibrahim Saiga, the Regional Police Commander for East Kyoga, stated that the officers from Kalaki Central Police Station had been sent to the village to apprehend two individuals linked to the allegations.
While the first suspect, Anyomu Richard, was arrested without resistance, the situation took a deadly turn when Eracho Moses confronted the officers.
According to police reports, Moses, armed with a panga and slasher, advanced towards the officers and began attacking them.
During the altercation, a civilian, identified as Kopolo Oneni Joseph, was injured with several deep cuts to his back, shoulder, and hand.
As the suspect continued to resist, police fired warning shots in an attempt to subdue him.
However, when Moses allegedly ignored the warning and continued his aggressive actions, one officer discharged his firearm, fatally injuring the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police investigations suggest that the deadly incident may have stemmed from a longstanding land dispute between Moses and the complainant, which had previously been adjudicated in court in favor of the complainant.
Investigators are working to determine the full context of the altercation.
The Uganda Police Force has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased while assuring the public of a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
Police officials have urged community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, warning that mob justice will not be tolerated.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to take its course.
The police are continuing their investigation, with senior officers from both the Regional and District Headquarters, as well as homicide detectives and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), involved in the ongoing inquiry.