Angry residents of Mugiti Sub-county in Budaka District have closed Kamonkoli Police Station, accusing its officers of “duty negligence” following a night attack in which a local was stabbed to death by assailants.
The deceased, only identified as Ssabakaki, is said to have reported to the police and was allegedly told to first go and get treatment. He was later found dead in the morning along the Mbale-Tirinyi Highway.
The locals stormed the police station on Tuesday and locked it. They accuse the officers, especially the Officer in Charge (OC), identified as Lwegaba David, of always demanding bribes as a condition to handle any case.
The residents, who were shouting at the top of their voices, purchased padlocks and locked up the station, demanding the immediate transfer of the OC.
Bukedi North police spokesperson, Semewo Samuel, confirmed the incident, stating that the deceased had gone to the police station the previous day, bleeding heavily. Semewo, however, said that the OC advised the deceased to seek medical attention first and then return to the station, denying that there was any refusal to assist him.
On the issue of asking for bribes, he said the matter is going to be investigated. Meanwhile, the suspects who were in the police cells were transported to another police station in the district.
