Police announces Sh20 million reward for information on Bugingo attack

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police have announced a Shillings 20 million reward for anyone providing information leading to the recovery of a pistol used in the shooting of Pastor Aloysius Bugingo.

Police say the same pistol was used in the murder of vlogger Isma Olaxes. Olaxes was gunned down on May 6, 2023, in Kyanja, while Pastor Bugingo was attacked on Tuesday night last week, resulting in the death of his bodyguard, Corporal Richard Muhumuza from the Special Forces Command (SFC).

Bugingo was attacked at Buwalakata road, Namungoona, Lubaga Division. Both incidents occurred around 9 pm, involving attackers escaping on motorcycles. Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson, highlighted the similarity in the attacks and the shared use of the pistol in both incidents. “There are very similar patterns in the murder of Richard Muhumuza and Isma Olaxes,” he said.

Muhumuza sustained 13 bullet wounds. Bugingo’s vehicle had 11 visible bullet holes and was submitted for forensic and ballistic examinations. CCTV footage from Salt Media, Bugingo’s departure point with Muhumuza, along with security cameras on roads and private buildings, is being reviewed to track the attackers’ movements.

Despite social media speculation on motives, the police remain focused on the investigation without being swayed by unrelated narratives. Patrick Onyango, the Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson, confirmed the collection of CCTV footage to establish the movements of the attackers.

Tom Magambo, the Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate-CID has assigned the Special Investigations Division (SID) to lead the investigation into Bugingo’s attack. Senior Commissioner of Police Beata Chelimo supervises the overall investigation.  Security has enhanced Bujingo’s security including the deployment of military guards.

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