KAMPALA- The family of the 18-year-old Derrick Ssejjibwa, allegedly shot at Natete Police Station, denies police allegations that he was a notorious robber, insisting he was a Senior Five student who has no criminal record.
Derrick Ssejjibwa, was fatally shot by a quarter guard officer outside Natete Police station on Sunday. According to Luke Owoyesigyire, Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, the victim was initially apprehended during an operation in Natete’s Ssendawula zone, where a group of thugs had raided an apartment and stolen various properties.
According to the police, Derrick Ssejjibwa and his accomplices allegedly carried out a violent robbery on October 10th at an apartment complex in Natete’s Ssendawula zone.
Armed with machetes, they reportedly handcuffed the security guard and proceeded to break into multiple apartments, assaulting and stealing from victims, primarily foreign nationals. According to Owoyesigyire, the security guard positively identified two suspects, including Derrick Ssejjibwa, during the robbery.
The suspects were apprehended and taken to the police station. However, upon arrival, Ssejjibwa attempted to flee, and unfortunately, he was fatally shot in the process. “Regrettably, Ssejjibwa attempted to flee, resulting in a fatal shooting. We have launched an investigation, gathering statements from the arresting officers, the officer involved in the shooting, and Ssejjibwa’s accomplices. The search for remaining suspects is ongoing,” Owoyesigyire said.
He said that the gun from the officer has been recovered as an exhibit and CCTV camera footages that will help in investigations surrounding the necessary of the shooting.
Contradicting police allegations, Gladys Nakibuule, a relative of Derrick Ssejjibwa, told this publication that he was an innocent Senior Five student at Continental Secondary School, not involved in any gang activities. Nakibuule revealed that Ssejjibwa was socializing with peers at a local shop, playing pool, before the unfortunate events unfolded.
According to Gladys Nakibuule, Ssejjibwa was detained along with two friends. Upon arrival at the police station, Ssejjibwa panicked and attempted to flee. He was fatally shot in broad daylight. Afterwards, police realized their mistake and released his companions.
According to Francis Nyanzi, a family friend and Chairperson of Natete Anglican Church’s Father’s Union, police erred in detaining Ssejjibwa and his friends, who were simply playing pool, while the actual culprits menacing the community remained at large.
Nyanzi, described Ssejjibwa as a well-behaved child with no history of criminal involvement. ‘I know the boy and his friends, and some were released after police realized their mistake,’ Nyanzi said. ‘We are now at Natete Police Station, demanding justice for the unjustified killing of our innocent child. Nyanzi said’
According to the 2023 crime report compiled by the Criminal Investigations Directorate-CID gun violence continued to rise, with 330 people killed in 300 cases that were recorded by Police.
