At least 13 soldiers attached to the Presidential Taskforce on Land Matters and Environment have been after attacking Wakiso Police officers on Monday evening, allegedly in an attempt to force an illegal land eviction.
The incident unfolded around 5:00 PM at the Wakiso Police Division headquarters when the soldiers, traveling in two vehicles, including a green minibus with registration number UBG 041U and a Toyota Noah UBR 647B arrived at the station.
Eyewitness accounts and police sources confirm that the soldiers aggressively confronted the Division Police Commander (DPC) SP Esther Kiiza, demanding her cooperation in enforcing an eviction related to a contested piece of land.
However, the DPC stood her ground, refusing to act without a court order or the endorsement of the district security committee.
Her defiance reportedly infuriated the soldiers, leading to a heated exchange that quickly escalated into violence.
According to the police, an exchange of gunfire erupted between the two security forces as the soldiers attempted to assert their demands by force.
The gunfire forced the military personnel to retreat. A swift joint response by Kampala Metropolitan Police North and the UPDF led to a manhunt, and the suspects were later apprehended at Yesu Amala, a location within Wakiso District.
Police confirmed that the 13 soldiers are currently in custody as investigations continue. Disciplinary proceedings are expected to follow.
The incident underscores rising tensions surrounding land disputes in Uganda, a subject that has long been a source of conflict and concern.
Authorities say the incident is being handled with the seriousness it deserves, and they have reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law.
No injuries were reported during the shootout, though security sources describe the event as “a near-disaster” that could have undermined the cohesion and trust between Uganda’s key security organs.
This marks yet another attack on police in recent weeks, following a separate incident in which UPDF soldiers stormed Lubowa Police Station and assaulted officers.
