A young man in Rukiga District, Magezi Elija, is battling serious gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by Lt. Col. Dr. Julius Emmy Kumanya of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) on November 21, 2025. The incident occurred around 1 AM after Magezi attended an overnight church service.
According to local reports, Magezi was walking home with four companions when they encountered a vehicle that illuminated them, prompting his friends to divert. However, Magezi continued on, believing he had nothing to fear. The vehicle’s owner subsequently stopped and questioned him about his whereabouts. Shortly after, Lt. Col. Kumanya reportedly exited the vehicle and shot Magezi in the thigh, despite his pleas of innocence. Following the shooting, Kumanya instructed Magezi to continue on his way.
Currently, Magezi, a recent high school graduate, is appealing for assistance with medical care due to his worsening condition. He claims that despite his efforts to seek help, Lt. Col. Kumanya has ignored him, leaving him in dire need.
After the incident, Magezi sought refuge with a nearby business owner, hoping to find transportation to a medical facility, but was unsuccessful as the woman had already retired for the night. He eventually hobbled for over an hour and a half to the Mutukura Health Centre II, where he was reportedly turned away by a security guard. After enduring significant pain, he received first aid at a local pharmacy, Muheru Drug Shop.
The following day, Magezi filed a report with the police under reference number CRB 365/2025 at Rukiga Central Police Station. Officers investigated the shooting, and Lt. Col. Kumanya admitted to firing the weapon, claiming he believed Magezi was part of a gang armed with machetes and iron bars.
Magezi’s mother, Nuwagaba Ruth, stated that a police team went to the crime scene where Kumanya allegedly acknowledged the shooting. She expressed frustration at the lack of support and progress in seeking justice, claiming that even the Resident District Commissioner has been unhelpful. Tearfully, Nuwagaba called upon authorities to provide justice for her son, decrying the obstacles they face, particularly given Kumanya’s rank and perceived wealth.
Attempts to reach Lt. Col. Dr. Julius Emmy Kumanya for comment were unsuccessful, as multiple calls went unanswered.
