Suspected Motorcycle Thief Shot Dead by Police in Kisoro

Police in Kisoro District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of a 26-year-old man suspected of motorcycle theft.

The deceased has been identified as Mwijuke Hassan, a resident of Gapfurizo village in Nyarubuye Sub-county, Kisoro District.

According to Kigezi regional police spokesperson, Elly Maate, the incident occurred on Thursday March 12, at around 9:15 am in Gasave Village, Nyakinama Sub-county, when Hassan was shot by Police Constable Okedi Muhammad, an officer attached to Ntungamo Police Station.

Police allege that Hassan had earlier stolen a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, registration number UGA 313U, from Rwenturagara Cell in Mbarara City on March 6th, 2026.

It is reported that Hassan went to the home of his former employer, Benson Nambazira, where he had previously worked as a casual labourer. He allegedly convinced Nambazira’s wife that her husband had sent him to collect the motorcycle for use in Mbarara. Believing the claim, she handed over the keys and the motorcycle.

“When Nambazira returned home later that evening and learned what had happened, he tried to contact Hassan but failed. He later reported the motorcycle theft at Kakika Police Station in Mbarara City,” Says Maate.

Investigations later indicated that the motorcycle had passed through Ntungamo District on the same day it was stolen.

Police officers later tracked the suspect to Kisoro. On the morning of March 12th, officers launched an operation to arrest him.

According to Maate, the officers spotted Hassan along the Kisoro–Bunagana road as he attempted to pick up a passenger using the stolen motorcycle.

When officers attempted to arrest him, he allegedly jumped onto the motorcycle and tried to flee. Police say that warning shots were fired in the air, but when he failed to stop, he was shot and died instantly.

The case has since been reported at Kisoro Central Police Station, and a team of investigators, including homicide detectives and scene of crime officers, visited the scene.

Police say six cartridges were recovered from the scene, and the officer involved, together with his team, has been detained to assist with ongoing investigations.