Joint Counter terror task team officers in Kampala shot and killed a suspected terrorist as he attempted to flee, Uganda Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said.
According to police, the security teams were involved in counter terror operations when a terror suspect attempted to escape forcing the police to shoot on target.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said the suspect identified as Matovu Adam alias Manihajji (36) resident of Ttula zone, Kawempe 1 ward, Kawempe Division, succumbed to bullet wounds when he jumped off a patrol vehicle while taking him to SID Kireka.
“Police officers responded immediately and fired warning shots while commanding him to stop but all in vain, which prompted them to shoot and maim. Unfortunately, the suspect succumbed to the bullet wounds at the scene around Naguru remand home.” Enaga said.
The incident follows successive terror incidents in Uganda in which at least 3 people lost lives.
The officers, according to Enanga, were returning from a very successful cordon and search operation in Kawempe Division where they recovered an AK47 riffle without a serial number but with 14 rounds of ammunition, a bag containing a suicide belt with suspected explosives, and an assortment of bomb making materials.
“The officers kept telling him to stop but he did not adhere to their command.” Enanga adds.
The suspected explosives were neutralized at the site on safety grounds and police warns the public that such encounters with terrorism suspects is usually violent and full of uncertainty.
Enanga said security is conducting a review of the shooting incident but suspects should also follow the due process to avoid such tragedies.