n a tragic incident that has shocked the residents of Katikara in Kakumiro district, a 38-year-old man, identified as Isaac Akashaba, was fatally shot by a police officer on the morning of May 23, 2024. Akashaba, a Rwandan national residing in Katikara North LCI, was reported to have violently attacked the officers with an axe when they attempted to apprehend him at his home.
The sequence of events leading to the shooting began on Tuesday when Akashaba returned home from a bar and demanded 500 shillings from his wife, Vastina Owamahoro, to buy alcohol. Upon her refusal, he damaged a saucepan she used for preparing fresh maize, which she sold for income. This incident escalated to the point where, on Thursday morning, two police officers arrived to arrest Akashaba.
According to Acleo Banaga, the LCI chairperson for Katikara North, Akashaba turned violent and chased the officers with an axe. During the confrontation, one of the officers fell, and Akashaba attempted to strike him. To prevent the attack, the other officer shot Akashaba in the leg and abdomen. Despite being rushed to Divine Clinic in Katikara, Akashaba succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Everest Kabagambe, the Katikara Sub-County LCIII Chairperson, urged the public to avoid domestic violence and to cooperate with law enforcement. ASP Moris Niyonzima, the Kakumiro District Police Commander, confirmed the incident and called for the community’s cooperation with police operations.
A postmortem was conducted, and the officer involved in the shooting has been taken to Kakumiro CPC to record a statement. The incident underscores the volatile nature of law enforcement in the region and the critical need for peaceful conflict resolution and community support for police activities.
