Man shot dead near UPDF checkpoint in Kasese

What the report says

A 45-year-old man, identified as Mugisa Mbasa of Katiri Trading Centre in Bulembia Division, died after being shot by soldiers near the Kilembe Mines checkpoint in Kasese town, western Uganda, according to The Observer. Police said the incident happened near Ribona Guest House, close to Katonzi Cell, and that Mbasa was later pronounced dead at Rukoki Hospital on Tuesday morning.

The report says Mbasa approached the checkpoint carrying a sack and a panga, prompting security personnel to search him. Police said he then raised the panga, ran toward Kasese town, and was pursued by the officers. After warning shots were fired, he allegedly advanced again with the weapon raised, and the soldiers shot him in the right thigh. The officers were identified as L/Cpl Richard Okwele and Pte Sidedi Aharimpisa of the UPDF.

According to the article, the soldiers took Mbasa first to Kasese Municipality Health Centre before he was referred to Rukoki Hospital. Rwenzori East Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed the case and said the body had been taken to Kasese Municipal Mortuary for postmortem, with investigations ongoing.

The Observer noted that police had not said what was inside the sack. A resident quoted in the report said security patrols in the area often inspect sacks because of concerns about theft from the defunct Kilembe Mines Limited. The article also said Mbasa was reportedly believed to be of unsound mind, though police had not provided details on that point.