2 Killed in Bukoto Gunfire as Suspected Thugs Raid Home

Gunshots rocked Bukoto, a Kampala suburb on Wednesday night as police countered a suspected gang of criminals which attempted to kidnap a man from his home.

Kampala Metropolitan Police say at around 9:00pm, their officers at Tuba Police Station received a disturbance call about a robbery that was taking place at the home of Natif Nicholas located along Matayo close, Kigowa II Zone in Bukoto II Parish.

It is alleged that about four unknown thugs attacked and seriously assaulted private security guard at Natif’s home.

Police revealed that the attackers later intercepted Natif before bundling him in his Harrier brand vehicle “white in colour registration number: UBD 239A, with an aim of Kidnapping him and stealing his motor vehicle.”

Cases of thugs raiding homes in Kampala had reduced in recent months following the installation of surveillance cameras in different parts of the central region.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Police said a “response team swiftly responded to the scene and the thugs upon sighting them, the driver attempted to knock them using the stolen vehicle.”

This, according to police, “prompted our officers to fire warning shots and followed it with bullets that fatally injured the two unidentified thugs.”

Natif was also injured in the leg but is out of danger.

He was rushed to Nakasero hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

Police say the “rest of the members of the criminal gang took off, but police is pursuing them.”

Authorities praised Natif’s family for the “timely reporting of the incident and for having the contact” of their nearest police station; and Tuba police for the prompt response.

The Community has since been advised to exhibit “total vigilance while approaching their homes and also seek escort services from the area Police whenever necessary.”

Police say efforts are in place to identify the two deceased persons.

Bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to city mortuary Mulago for postmortem.