Police Explain Viral Video Showing Officers Firing Shots In Kampala
Police Explain Viral Video Showing Officers Firing Shots In Kampala
KAMPALA, Uganda – Police have explained a viral video showing armed security officers firing shots into the air in Kampala, saying the incident happened during an operation to arrest suspected offenders.
Uganda Police Force said the incident occurred on Monday, 20 July 2026, at around 6:00pm in Nakivubo Cell, Nakasero III Ward, within Kampala’s Central Business District.
Police said officers were carrying out an operation at Original Kiseka Spare Centre in Kiseka Market when a group of people allegedly attempted to block the arrest of suspects.
According to police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the security team had gone to the area to arrest individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities.
Police said the operation was disrupted when some members of the public became violent and attempted to obstruct officers from carrying out the arrests.
“In order to disperse the unruly crowd and restore order, the officers fired warning shots into the air,” police said.
The situation was later brought under control, and security officers successfully arrested two suspects during the operation.
The incident attracted attention after videos showing armed officers firing shots circulated widely on social media.
Police said they had taken note of the footage and provided clarification to explain the circumstances surrounding the use of firearms.
police maintained that the shots were fired as warning measures intended to control the crowd and prevent the situation from escalating.
The use of firearms by security personnel during public operations has previously attracted debate in Uganda, with human rights groups often calling for restraint and adherence to lawful procedures during arrests and crowd control operations.
Security agencies have repeatedly said officers are trained to use force only when necessary and within the limits provided by law.
Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.
The two suspects arrested during the operation are expected to face further legal procedures as authorities establish their alleged involvement in the offences under investigation.
Uganda Police Force has urged members of the public to cooperate with lawful security operations and avoid interfering with arrests.
