The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement team is on the spot after its officers pursued two vehicles, opened fire, and injured a man who was later found not to be involved in smuggling .
The incident reportedly occurred on April 26 at around 8:50 PM along the Katosi–Mukono Road.
On the fateful day, Denis Ebu, a 35-year-old sound engineer residing in Mutungo-Bina Zone, Nakawa Division, was travelling in a grey Toyota Wish, registration number UBR 873G, together with three other occupants.
At the same time, Joseph Tamale was driving another grey Toyota Wish, registration number UBP 571G, with two passengers, and they followed Ebu’s vehicle.
As both vehicles moved along the Katosi–Mukono Road, they were followed by a Toyota Fortuner, registration number UA 20241AA, which was moving at high speed and flashing lights repeatedly, prompting suspicion among the occupants of the two Toyota Wish vehicles.
The situation escalated near Nkokonjeru along the Mukono stretch when occupants of the trailing vehicle allegedly opened fire. Two gunshots were reported during the incident.
In a video circulating on social media, a UPDF officer is seen moving out of the vehicle together with a person suspected to be his boss. It has since been reported that URA Assistant Commissioner in charge of enforcement operations, Mr Godson Mwesigye, was in charge of the operation.
The UPDF officer would later shoot at one of the Toyota Wish vehicles.
One of the bullets struck Tamale, who sustained injuries while still inside his vehicle.
Both vehicles immediately diverted and stopped at Iganga (Igar) Petrol Station in Mukono, where emergency response was initiated.
The injured victim was quickly evacuated by URA enforcement officers to hospital for urgent medical attention.
A search of the vehicles by URA did not yield any positive results, as it was found that there were no smuggled goods as had been suspected by the enforcement team.
In a statement, Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed that a case of attempted murder had been reported at Mukono Division Police Headquarters.
“The victim, identified as Tamale Joseph, sustained injuries and was rushed to Nsambya Hospital, where he has since been treated and discharged. He is expected to record a formal statement with police,” Owoyesigyire said.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident involved occupants of motor vehicles travelling in the same direction, including enforcement officers.”
Owoyesigyire, however, noted that police and URA have kicked off joint investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the conduct of the officers involved in the altercation.
Earlier this week, URA spokesperson Robert Kalumba dismissed the claims, saying no URA staff was on the run and adding that no case had been reported at police.
“No attempted murder has occurred. No chase involving our enforcement team occurred along the Katosi/Mukono road, a known area for smuggling. URA is investigating the case,” Kalumba said on X.
