KAMPALA, Uganda — Police in Kampala have arrested a bodyguard attached to Anita Annet Among following the shooting of a female motorist near the Speaker’s residence, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns over the conduct of armed VIP security personnel.
The suspect, identified as Corporal Humphrey Muhanguzi, is currently in custody as investigators piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which occurred along Mackinnon Road, a high-security area close to the Speaker’s home.
Authorities say the victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, sustained injuries after being shot while driving a Toyota Harrier. She was reportedly taken for medical treatment, though her condition has not been officially disclosed.
Initial details from police remain limited, but early statements confirm the involvement of an armed officer.
“It is true there was a shooting. She was driving a Toyota Harrier UBQ 038A. She was shot by a police officer. I don’t have all the details right now,” said Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala.
Subsequent accounts suggest the incident followed an altercation between the officer and the motorist. The woman is believed to have been driving from prayers at All Saints Cathedral when she attempted to access a road leading to the Speaker’s residence, an area currently under heightened security and partial construction.
According to Chris Obore, the driver allegedly insisted on using the restricted route despite being advised otherwise.
In that account, the officer struck the vehicle’s bonnet with a firearm, which then discharged, resulting in the shooting.
Officials from the Speaker’s office have distanced her from the incident, stating she was not present at her residence at the time.
“While en route from Bukedea, where she had attended a family event, the Kampala Metropolitan Police informed the Rt Hon Speaker about an incident that had occurred near her residence, involving a police officer and a female driver,” said Sabiti Joseph.
He added that upon returning to Kampala, the Speaker was briefed by police and reached out to the victim’s family.
“She expressed her sympathies and offered support for medical treatment. She remains in close contact with the family and is actively monitoring the victim’s recovery,” Sabiti said.
The statement further indicated that the officer involved had been handed over to investigative authorities, with instructions issued to fast-track the inquiry.
“The Rt Hon Speaker has requested the Kampala Metropolitan Police to conduct expeditious investigations in the interest of justice and to inform the public about the details of the incident to counter misinformation,” he said.
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The incident has reignited debate in Uganda over the use of force by officers assigned to protect high-ranking officials, particularly in civilian settings where interactions with the public are frequent.
Security analysts note that VIP protection units often operate under strict protocols designed to control access and minimise threats. However, critics argue that enforcement methods can sometimes escalate unnecessarily, especially in urban environments.
In recent years, rights groups and legal experts have called for clearer accountability mechanisms governing armed officers attached to political leaders, emphasising the need for proportional use of force and improved public engagement.
Police have not yet released a full reconstruction of events, and key details, including whether the firearm discharge was accidental or intentional, remain under investigation.
The case is expected to draw sustained public attention as authorities seek to establish responsibility and determine whether criminal charges will be preferred against the officer.
