By Fred Kiva
The police is to intensify vigilance in refugee camps following an incident on Saturday in which Ian Natukunda the Officer In charge Parolinya Base Camp police post, in Obongi district was shot by a rowdy South Sudanese refugee.
The suspect, Abdul Abubakari grabbed the gun from a female officer Scovia Masudio who was guarding at the camp on Saturday morning. The refugee later turned the gun on ASP Natukunda, as he tried to disarm him. He injured him in the chest. The officer was rushed to Moyo Hospital and according to Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, he was later airlifted to Nakasero Hospital where he has since been operated on.
“The IGP worked closely with the family of the victim, to airlift and transfer him to Nakasero Hospital, where he was operated on, following grave injuries that shattered one of his right ribs and also damaged part of his lung,” Enanga said. “He is no longer on life support and progressing well. The Director Police Health Services is also working with the Hospital management to ensure he gets the best treatment,” he added.
The police have condemned the incident, saying it’s “absolutely unacceptable” in refugee camps. “Although this was the first kind of such attacks from a refugee camp, we would like to stress the importance of all refugees abiding by the laws of our country. And to further remind them, that those who commit crimes against each other, must know that there are consequences to their violent actions,” Enanga emphasized.
He added, “We plan to take all necessary measures to maintain security and prohibit the use of firearms or other forms of violence within the refugee camps.” The police meanwhile commends ASP Ian Natukunda “for the extreme courage and bravery” in the face of danger. The suspect is temporarily being charged with attempted murder, threatening violence and robbery of a gun, since he was also shot and injured in the course of being disarmed.
