Guard Muhoozi shoots dead Burundian national in Kisenyi during quarrel 

A private security guard Mathias Muhoozi has shot dead a Burundian national, Christian Itangishaka during a heated argument at Muzana Zone, Kisenyi 1 parish in Kampala.

Itangishaka is a resident of Bunamwaya, who was in charge of parking at Roza market. He was gunned down on Monday night by Mathias Muhoozi a private guard from Blue Water Services Limited. Muhidi Kiyora, a businessman in Roza market, says that the shooting occurred when the deceased developed a disagreement with Muhooza who had just been deployed for guard duties.

According to Kiyora, Itangishaka attempted to access the parking space but the security guard who couldn’t recognize him denied him access. He attempted to force himself inside, which resulted in a scuffle. 

“Muhoozi was so angry, he cocked his gun, and Christian attempted to grab it. However, the two were separated by people around, then the deceased walked away in the opposite direction, the guard followed him and shot him in the back killing him,” Muhidi said. 

According to Kiyora, the security guard was too angry despite the efforts of those who were around to calm him down. Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, says that the guard was picked up by his bosses and taken to Muzana police post before being transferred to Old Kampala Police Division.

“We responded but found Christian lying in a pool of blood. Unfortunately, he had already succumbed to his injuries, and his body was conveyed to the City Mortuary Mulago for postmortem,” Owoyesigyire said. 

“We strongly condemn the act of murder. This occurred even when the situation had been de-escalated. We urge private security companies to carefully assess the character of the people they hire to avoid such events in future. The police will continue their investigation and more details will be availed to the public as soon as possible,” Owoyesigyire added.

John Senteza, a security expert in Kampala, said that apart from the police’s call for character assessment, poor payment, and inadequate training are major problems behind such incidents. He explains that some guards use drugs and alcohol to overcome stress. 

“They are not mentally ill, but they have a lot of stress due to low payment, these are human beings with families with demands. Actually, some of them are using drugs and are alcoholics. So it’s high time for the public to avoid arguments with someone who is armed at his post. We shall continue seeing similar murders happening,” Senteza said.