By Eye Media Reporter | July 5, 2026
GOMBA – Three police officers attached to Butambala Police Station have been arrested following the fatal shooting of a machine operator during an enforcement operation at a coffee processing factory in Gomba District.
The victim, identified as Katerega Musa, was shot dead on July 1, 2026, at around 4:00 p.m. at Abbarci Industries Ltd, a coffee processing facility located in Kanoni Cell, Kanoni Town Council.
According to Katonga Regional Police spokesperson SP Lydia Tumushabe, officials from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), accompanied by armed security personnel and police officers, had visited the factory to carry out an inspection related to coffee processing operations.
The inspection comes amid intensified enforcement operations by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority targeting illegal coffee processing, unlicensed operators and poor-quality coffee exports as part of efforts to safeguard Uganda’s coffee standards and international market reputation.
Police said the inspection team at Abbarci Industries Ltd was reportedly led by a UCDA official identified as Mathias, who was known to the Acting Factory Manager and Accountant, Nalubega Zalika.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a disagreement erupted during the inspection before escalating into a confrontation.
Investigators are reviewing video footage reportedly showing a scuffle involving several individuals moments before gunfire rang out, resulting in the death of Katerega Musa.
Authorities are also examining the actions of the security personnel attached to the operation and the circumstances under which the firearm was discharged.
As investigations continue, police have arrested Police Constable Mujuni Nicholas, Police Constable Welikhe Dan Alex, and Corporal Foste Bosco, all attached to Butambala Police Station, to assist with inquiries into the incident.
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be produced before court upon completion of investigations.
“We remain committed to conducting thorough, impartial and professional investigations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice,” SP Tumushabe said.
The shooting has sparked concern among residents, factory workers and local leaders in Gomba District, with many calling for accountability and transparency during enforcement operations involving armed security personnel.
The incident has also renewed public debate on the use of force during regulatory operations, particularly where enforcement agencies interact with civilians in high-pressure situations.
