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The suspect behind the shocking New Year’s Eve shooting of a 12-year-old boy in a passenger taxi has been arrested.

Mohammed Kitaka, who allegedly fired into the taxi at Kyebando in Kawempe Division, was apprehended by a joint security team after a manhunt aided by CCTV footage.

The incident occurred around 9:25 p.m. on December 31, 2024, when Kitaka, driving a black Toyota Harrier (registration UBQ 699B), opened fire on the moving taxi. The bullet struck Edrine Babalanda, a 12-year-old boy seated next to his father, Moses Babalanda.

Eyewitness Account
According to Robert Nsubuga, the taxi driver, he was transporting passengers to Kasangati and Gayaza when the shocking event unfolded.

“I heard two gunshots and stopped the vehicle to confront the man. He claimed he was shooting at thieves trying to steal from him. I told him he had injured one of my passengers, but he drove off,” Nsubuga recounted.

Nsubuga immediately reported the incident at Kanyanya Police Station, while the boy’s father rushed him to a nearby clinic before transferring him to Mulago Hospital for further treatment.

Arrest and Charges
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed Kitaka’s arrest. “The driver of the Toyota Harrier fled the scene after firing two bullets, one of which hit the boy seated in the back of the taxi,” Onyango stated.

Kitaka is now facing charges of attempted murder. Onyango added, “His claims of shooting at thieves are no justification for injuring an innocent child and fleeing the scene. The law will take its course.”

New Year’s Violence
This tragic incident is one of several violent occurrences reported as Ugandans welcomed the New Year. In Seeta, Mukono Municipality, a man was fatally shot, while another individual was apprehended with a bullet at St. Stephen’s Church in Kisugu, Makindye Division.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any acts of violence or suspicious behavior to ensure community safety.