By Peter Luzinda
GOMBA
Police in the Katonga Region have arrested three officers as investigations intensify into the fatal shooting of a machine operator during an inspection operation at Abbarci Industries Ltd in Gomba District.
The deceased, identified as Katerega Musa, was shot dead on July 1, 2026, at around 4:00 p.m. at the coffee processing facility located in Kanoni Cell, Kanoni Town Council.
According to a statement released by Katonga Regional Police spokesperson SP Lydia Tumushabe, officials from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), accompanied by armed security personnel and police officers, had visited the factory to conduct an inspection linked to coffee processing operations.
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority has in recent months intensified enforcement operations across several districts targeting illegal coffee processing, poor-quality exports, and unlicensed operators as part of efforts to protect Uganda’s coffee standards and international market reputation.
Police said the inspection team at Abbarci Industries Ltd was reportedly led by an official identified as Mathias, who was known to the Acting Factory Manager and Accountant, Nalubega Zalika.
Preliminary investigations indicate that tensions emerged during the operation before the situation escalated into chaos. Video footage now in possession of investigators reportedly shows a scuffle involving several individuals moments before gunfire erupted, killing Katerega Musa.
Authorities are currently examining the sequence of events that led to the confrontation, including the conduct of the security personnel attached to the inspection team and the circumstances under which the firearm was discharged.
As part of the ongoing inquiries, three police officers attached to Butambala Police Station have been arrested to assist investigators. The officers have been identified as PC Mujuni Nicholas, PC Welikhe Dan Alex, and Corporal Foste Bosco.
Police confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear before court as investigations continue.
“We remain committed to conducting thorough, impartial, and professional investigations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice,” SP Lydia Tumushabe stated.
The shooting has sparked concern among residents, factory workers, and local leaders in Gomba District, with renewed calls for accountability and transparency in operations involving armed security personnel during enforcement exercises.
The incident adds to growing public scrutiny surrounding the use of force during regulatory and enforcement operations in Uganda, particularly where civilians and security agencies interact in high-tension situations.
