At least seven people including city lawyer Pius Kasana, have been arrested to aid investigations into the shooting and injuring of police constable Pascal Musobozi three days ago.

The police officer was shot at around 1 am when Nabbingo police responded to residents’ outcry of a bar giving them sleepless nights due to uncontrolled noise. Four police officers raided the bar and ordered its operators to close but their call was not heeded to.

It is alleged that among the people who incited the drunken revellers against the police officers was lawyer Pius Kasana. He allegedly warned the law enforcers that they were going to face it rough if they forcefully closed the drinking joint.

Sensing danger, police officers reportedly decided to retreat and return with more force. However, about 70 metres away from the bar, a bullet was discharged from the crowd, injuring Musobozi in the process.

Musobozi was rushed to Cardinal Nsubuga Memorial Hospital and later referred to Mulago Hospital for specialized medical attention. Police have since arrested seven people including lawyer Kasana who is said to be the owner of the bar.

The other people arrested include Raya Namiya, Sauda Nakimera, Teddy Kambada, Aisha Nakolola, Annet Kabasenyi and Aisha Nalubega.

Luke Owoyesigyire said locals have since secretly provided information indicating that Kasana possesses a pistol which he has been using to threaten whoever attempts to ask him to reduce the noise from his bar.

“The drinking joint is called Kasana’s bar and locals have said it belongs to this lawyer Pius Kasana,” Owoyesigyire said. “They have also told us that they often see him with the gun. We suspect he is the one who shot and injured our police officer.” 

However, Kasana has since denied ever owning a pistol even though police have so far recorded statements from five people all allegedly pinning him. Owoyesigyire said they are now doing whatever is possible to recover the gun so that they can find who exactly shot the police officer.

Statistics by the police’s department of private security organizations and firearms show more than 20,000 guns are in private hands, Wakiso alone in which Nabbingo falls has over 5,000 people with licensed guns.