UPDF deserter steals firearm
Police in Kabalagala is holding a Uganda People’s Defence Force- UPDF deserter for attempting to disarm a police constable in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
The suspect Hussein Kakonge, 46, a UPDF deserter and a former guard with Security 2000 in Muyenga is currently in custody at Kabalagala Police station.
In a video that has since gone viral, Kakonge who pretends to be asleep at a corner of the police station suddenly wakes up and attacks an absent minded police constable on the head from the backside using a heavy object, The police constable is pushed to the ground by the suspect but is soon rescued by his colleagues who pounce on the rowdy suspect, beating him up thoroughly.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire says Kakonge approached the police station on Monday night disguising as a stranded guard desperate for a place to spend the night. He says Kakonge was given a place to sleep after he explained that his bosses had kicked him out and that he couldn’t travel at night.
Owesigyire says the suspect seized the opportunity when only one police constable identified as Junior Bamwesigye was manning the counter to attack.
“He said he was looking for a place to spend the night. Our officers, under the police mandate of protecting life and property, gave him beddings to rest near the counter. To their surprise, Kakonge woke up around 1 am and attempted to disarm an officer at the counter,” Owoyesigire said.
Bamwesigye made an alarm attracting other officers manning security at the gate, who came in subdued the violent suspect.
UPDF deserter steals firearm
Owoyesigyire explains that their investigations show that Kakonge has a military background. He joined UPDF in 1996 and served in various missions in Somalia, fighting against the Lord Resistance Army and others.
“After his return from the Somalia mission, he deserted the UPDF and joined Security 2000 where he was also fired. The police are currently working with the UPDF to ascertain more facts on why he deserted,” Owoyesigyire stated.
The suspect has been charged with attempted murder, desertion and attempt to steal a gun.
