Uganda: Soldiers Raid Police Station, Rescue Colleagues Detained

Police are investigating a case in which a group of UPDF soldiers last night raided a police station in Ndejje, Wakiso District and put the officers on duty at gunpoint before rescuing their colleagues (soldiers) who had been detained for allegedly staging illegal roadblocks. 

As a result, a case of aggravated robbery and assisting suspects in lawful custody to escape has been opened at Lumuli Police Station in Ndejje Parish on Entebbe Road, Wakiso District.

"We are investigating the aggravated robbery and also aiding suspects to escape from lawful custody," Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Luke Owoyesigyire said on Thursday.

Suspects armed and clothed in military fatigues are accused of erecting an unlawful roadblock at Kakoola hamlet in Ndejje Parish on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.

The victims of the severe robbery alerted the police, who deployed a patrol car manned by armed officers.

When the suspects saw a police cruiser, they fired numerous rounds into the air.

However, the cops held firm and approached and disarmed the culprits.

According to a source, the suspects, Pte Job Reti and Pte Orete Were, were arrested and detained at Lumuli Police Station for questioning.

What looked to be a victory for police was cut short when a Toyota Land Cruiser carrying eight armed troops arrived at Lumuli Police Station hours later.

They requested that the accused be turned over to them by the police.

According to the source, when the police officers refused, they held everyone at gunpoint.

The troops released their suspected comrades from police custody after subduing all of the police officials.

The head of the gang who helped suspects flee was identified as UPDF Sergeant Tonny Opio, and another as Pius Lutaya.

The gang who helped with the escape afterwards drove to Mutungo Police Station and complained, alleging that the suspects were hurt and required first assistance.

They did not, however, tell the police where the suspects were being treated.

Several incidences of unlawful roadblocks, which began around ten years ago in Kampala City, the districts of Wakiso, Mityana, and Greater Luweero, have recently been reported to be on the rise.

There have been reports of cases on the Nakawuka-Kasanje Road, the Kayunga-Ssenge-Kawa Road, and the Wakiso-Matugga-Kasangati Road.

Members of the gang allegedly dressed in military fatigue built barriers in the middle of the road and pretended to be subjected to ordinary security inspections.

Thugs hit with all their might as unsuspecting motorists take their foot off the gas pedal.

The army has often refuted claims that its officers are engaged.

They have blamed the incident on civilian gangs that reportedly take their military equipment and utilize it for criminal purposes.

Police officials at Kampala Metropolitan Police have stated that they will approach the army to assist in re-arresting the perpetrators in the Ndejje incident as well as those who assisted in their arrest.