"He Drew His Gun to Disperse a Violent Bar Fight, But a Two-Year-Old Was Fatally Shot," Police Boss Arrested as Child Dies and Two Civilians Are Injured in Masaka

The Officer in Charge (OC) of Kyesiiga Police Post in Masaka District, Willy Ogwal, has been arrested after a tragic shooting that left a two-year-old child dead and two other civilians injured during an operation to contain a violent fight at a local bar.

The incident occurred on the night of Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Ndeeba Trading Centre in Lwaggulwe Parish, Kyesiiga Sub-county. Ogwal was arrested the following day and is currently being held at Kyanamukaka Police Station as investigations continue.

According to Kyesiiga Sub-county Chairperson Mikidad Lusiba, the police officer responded after receiving reports of a violent confrontation involving residents and individuals suspected of engaging in phone theft at a local bar.

Lusiba said the confrontation quickly escalated, with large crowds gathering at the scene, making it difficult for the officer to restore order.

It is alleged that Ogwal, overwhelmed by the situation, drew his firearm and discharged several warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd. During the shooting, a bullet allegedly struck and killed two-year-old Ashiraf Kiweewa.

The gunfire also reportedly injured the child's mother, Aisha Kisakyamukama, and another civilian identified as Gerald Kiweewa. Both victims were rushed to Kyanamukaka Health Centre, where they are receiving treatment.

The death of the child has shocked residents of the area, with many demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and calling for justice for the affected family.

Police officers from Masaka Central Police Station later arrested Ogwal and transferred him to Kyanamukaka Police Station, where he remains in custody pending the outcome of investigations.

Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the officer's arrest and said detectives have already begun gathering evidence and recording statements from eyewitnesses.

"We just want to understand what really transpired at the scene, whether it is murder or whether it was in self-defence. We have already recorded statements from some eyewitnesses," Kasirye told journalists.

Authorities have not yet announced any formal charges against the officer, saying investigations are still ongoing. The findings are expected to determine whether the shooting resulted from criminal negligence, unlawful use of force or circumstances related to self-defence.