University Student Shot Trying To Open Policeman’s House

A 21-year-old Uganda Christian University (UCU) student is fighting for her life in hospital after she was shot by a policeman whose house she attempted to open when she mistook it to be her boyfriend’s in the early hours of Saturday morning. 

According to reports, ASP Dismas Tebangole of the Counter Terrorism Police, VIPPU, shot Natasha Nagayi.

In Nabuti Village, Mukono Central Division, Mukono Municipality, and Mukono District, the shooting took place at around four in the morning. 

Around 4 am, ASP Tebangole, 57, allegedly saw someone attempting to unlock his front door. 

He observed someone opening the door with a key as he peered through the window glass. 

“In a state of suspicion, the officer discharged three live bullets through the window glass, hitting Nagayi Natasha on the right chest, near the lower armpit. 

"Upon being shot, the victim fell to the ground and cried out for help, asserting that she was not a thief. 

"She specifically mentioned the name Bandishe Ashraf, one of the tenants residing in the suspect's residence. 

"The caretaker of the residence, Ssengendo Hanington, along with other neighbours, responded to the scene. 

"Subsequently, the suspect (police officer) emerged from his residence,” Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesgyire said.

Nagayi had been in the company of her boyfriend, Ashraf Bandishe as they hung out together, police said.

“Ashraf had given her the key to enter the residence and rest while he remained behind. 

"However, she mistakenly attempted to open the officer’s room, which is opposite Ashraf's room, leading to the unfortunate shooting incident,” ASP Owoyesgyire added.

While Nagayi is receiving medical attention at Kawolo General Hospital in the Buikwe District, ASP Tebangole is presently in police custody.

“A pistol with 12 rounds of live ammunition, was recovered from the suspect by the response Police team,” the police publicist said.

According to what Bandishe told a Ugandan media outlet, Nagayi had never before entered his home.

"Yesterday was her first time staying outside for long. She resides in a university hall which is closed by midnight so she requested my house keys to go and rest since I was still drinking. 

"I directed her and the boda boda (commercial transport) guy to the purple apartments but they went to the wrong place," he said.