Nebbi police officer shot dead, four injured during arrest operation

Nebbi: Police in the West Nile region have launched investigations into a shooting incident that left one police officer dead and four civilians injured during an attempted arrest in Nebbi Municipality on the night of June 6, 2026.

The deceased officer has been identified as Police Constable (PC) Olupot Joseph, while the injured victims are Okecha Charles, 44, Pimer Irene, 32, Epifania Joy, a two-year-old child, and Oroch Charles, 52.

The suspected shooter, PC Okello Sam, Badge Number 78710, is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SSP Josephine Angucia, the incident originated from a domestic dispute involving a couple.

She explained that Atuhaire Praise, a 25-year-old businesswoman from Mutungo Zone III in Nakawa Division, Kampala, travelled to Nebbi on June 5 with her boyfriend, Ocircan Robert, to visit his home in Kasuku Cell, Nyacara Ward, Abindu Division, Nebbi Municipality.

The couple reportedly spent the night together but developed misunderstandings the following morning, prompting Atuhaire to seek police intervention.

“The complainant reported the matter at Nebbi Central Police Station. Officers contacted the suspect and requested him to report to the station, but he declined to comply,” SSP Angucia said.

Following the refusal, police officers were deployed to arrest Ocircan at around 6:10 p.m.

However, according to police, the operation turned chaotic when members of the community allegedly began pelting officers with stones.

“Upon arresting him, community members started throwing stones at the officers. PC Okello responded by shooting, and in the process, he shot his colleague, PC Olupot Joseph, and four civilians,” Angucia stated.

All the victims were rushed to Nebbi General Hospital for medical attention. PC Olupot was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, while the injured civilians continue receiving treatment.

Police have since opened General Enquiry File (GEF) 15/2026 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“Statements have been recorded from witnesses, the firearm used has been recovered and exhibited, and the suspect officer is currently detained at Nebbi Central Police Station pending further investigations,” Angucia said.

She added that detectives and scene-of-crime officers visited the scene, documented evidence, and commenced forensic procedures.

“A postmortem examination is being conducted on the deceased officer, while exhibits recovered from the scene are being submitted for forensic analysis to aid investigations,” she noted.

Police have appealed to residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.

“We urge members of the public to cooperate with investigators and avoid taking the law into their own hands. Justice will be pursued through the established legal processes,” Angucia emphasized.

The incident has shocked residents of Nebbi Municipality and raised concerns about the use of firearms during police operations, particularly in situations involving civilian crowds.

Investigations are ongoing.

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