Lira City Police Commander Brian Amapire reported the registration of a murder case following a tragic shooting outside Navroz Supermarket on tuesday morning.
The incident occurred this morning when Dickson Odongo was allegedly shot by a security guard affiliated with Capital Guard and Patrol Limited. The guard, now in custody, had his weapon seized, and the victim’s body has been transported to Mortuary as investigations proceed.
The incident has sparked unrest, with local residents expressing anger, targeting Indian and other international nationals as the reason for the shooting remains unclear.
According to Amapire, the situation was tense, with police forces deployed to maintain calm across the city.
“Our intelligence teams and officers are actively working to ensure peace is restored. We urge people to return to their businesses and remain calm,” Amapire emphasized. He further cautioned that anyone attacking foreign nationals would face legal consequences.
Capital Guard and Patrol Limited’s Operations Manager, Odyek Kemmanuel, clarified the security company’s position, noting that the shooting was unintentional. “This incident is truly regrettable. Initial reports suggest the firearm misfired while our guard was on duty. We are fully cooperating with the investigation,” he stated.
Local business operators, such as plumber Owucu Denis, lamented the disruption caused by the unrest, reporting a sharp drop in daily sales. “Since morning, I haven’t made a sale. Usually, I’d have made around 300,000 to 400,000 UGX by now,” he said.
Community peace advocate Aporo George Goddie expressed concerns over growing racial tensions in the city. Citing past incidents involving Indian nationals, he urged authorities to prioritize justice for the bereaved family to help ease rising discontent.
“The community must feel that justice is served. Without this, tensions will only worsen, and no amount of force will be enough to maintain peace,” Apori warned.
It should be noted this is not the first time the community protesting against the Asian community in Lira City. In 2018, riots erupted following the alleged murder of a primary three pupil from Alito Primary School in Kole District by two individuals from the Asian community while the child was returning home with an older sibling.
