- Uganda has reportedly deployed army and police officers near its border with Kenya following the fatal stabbing
- Tusker Ofubo, a UPDF reservist attached to Busia Municipal Council, died after a dispute with a hawker over confiscated phone chargers
- Police suspect the hawker escaped into Kenya after a crowd reportedly freed him from custody
Harry Ivan Mboto is a Current Affairs and Politics Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering political and world news. Mboto has five years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2024
Uganda has deployed army and police officers near its border with Kenya following the killing of a municipal enforcement officer by a suspected Maasai hawker in Busia, Daily Monitor has reported.
Source: UGC
Head of enforcement George Wandera said the deployment was intended to reinforce enforcement operations after the killing, citing concerns that some traders operating in non-gazetted areas were armed.
The move comes amid fears that the suspect may have escaped into neighbouring Kenya after allegedly stabbing the officer several times during a dispute over confiscated merchandise.
How did Maasai hawker kill Ugandan officer?
The incident occurred on Friday, October 23, along Tororo Road in Busia town. The deceased, Tusker Ofubo, alias Master, was a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) reservist attached to Busia Municipal Council.
According to the Ugandan outlet, Ofubo was conducting a routine revenue collection and trade enforcement operation when he confiscated USB phone chargers from a hawker accused of operating in an unauthorised area.
Witnesses said the hawker pleaded with Ofubo to return his merchandise before their disagreement escalated into a physical fight. Aramazan Karim, a bystander, said the vendor initially fought the officer with his fists before pulling a sharp long knife from his waist and stabbing him several times.
Another eyewitness, Mubarak Kakaire, said the suspect stabbed Ofubo about five times before fleeing on a boda boda motorcycle.
Despite his injuries, Ofubo reportedly managed to walk to a nearby shop and sit down. He later collapsed after losing a significant amount of blood and died before receiving emergency medical assistance.
How did the suspect escape?
Investigations indicate that Ofubo’s colleague briefly apprehended the suspect after the attack. However, an angry crowd reportedly assaulted the colleague and freed the hawker.
A security source told Daily Monitor that a boda boda rider helped the suspect escape. Police believe he may have crossed into Kenya, although his whereabouts have not been confirmed.
Busia District Police Commander Grace Nyangoma confirmed that investigations are underway and that authorities are pursuing the suspect.
Maasai men are traditionally recognised by their colourful shukas, often draped over their shoulders, and the sharp swords they carry around their waists as part of their cultural attire.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Tags:
Hot: