By Peter Luzinda
YUMBE
Two people were injured by gunfire during a Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement operation in Kulikulinga Town Council, Yumbe District, prompting police to open an inquiry into the incident.
The shooting happened at about 9am on Thursday, September 24, 2026, when URA officers, escorted by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel, were carrying out an operation against unregistered motorcycles and suspected smugglers.
According to preliminary police findings, the officers encountered a group of youths who allegedly became hostile and attempted to disrupt the operation by throwing stones and other objects. UPDF personnel reportedly fired shots to disperse the group.
Two people, aged 21 and 16, were injured in the incident and taken to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital in Kuru for treatment. Police have not disclosed the identities of the victims.
Collins Asea, the Madi Sub-region police spokesperson, said police had registered a case of unlawful wounding at Yumbe Police Station under reference Yumbe GEF 019/2026.
The victims have recorded statements, while one eyewitness has also been interviewed by investigators.
Police issued the victims with PF3 medical forms to facilitate medical examination and documentation of the injuries.
Investigators are now working to establish the circumstances that led to the use of firearms and determine exactly how the two people sustained their injuries.
It remains unclear whether the victims were among the youths allegedly resisting the URA operation or were caught in the confrontation.
The operation was part of efforts by URA to enforce compliance with motorcycle registration requirements and combat suspected smuggling in the area.
Police said further inquiries would be conducted, including obtaining additional statements and identifying all those involved.
The case remains under investigation, and no person has so far been publicly charged over the shooting.
