Eyewitnesses at Shell Kyanja in Kampala have narrated harrowing scenes after a police officer allegedly drew his pistol at a private security guard before slapping a female supermarket attendant during a heated confrontation on Tuesday evening.
The officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Clive Nsiima, attached to the Counter Terrorism Directorate under the Oil and Gas Protection Unit, was captured on CCTV assaulting the attendant inside the supermarket.
According to several witnesses, Nsiima arrived at the station visibly intoxicated, picked a few items from the supermarket, and attempted to leave without paying.
“He always comes here drunk and takes things from the supermarket but leaves without paying. He only returns after some time to clear the bills,” said a staff member who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.
On the day of the incident, the supermarket’s new cashier, Ms. Atuhumurize, reportedly followed Nsiima outside after realizing he had not cleared his bill. A private guard from Tayari Security intervened, reminding the officer to make payment before leaving.
Witnesses say Nsiima reacted angrily, drawing his service pistol and cocking it while threatening to shoot the guard.
“He pointed the gun at the guard and cocked it. People started running away, thinking he was going to fire,” one eyewitness told the Standard.
After tension gripped the station, Nsiima returned inside the supermarket, claiming he would pay through mobile money. However, witnesses say he then turned on Ms. Atuhumurize, accusing her of “embarrassing” him before slapping her twice.
“He said he could slap her even with the cameras watching, and that tomorrow they would meet in court,” recounted another staff member.
Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma confirmed the incident and the officer’s arrest, saying he is in custody as investigations continue.
“He has been apprehended and detained. He will be brought to account as soon as investigations are complete,” Kituuma said in a brief statement.
The case has been registered at Kyanja Police Post under reference 08/07/10/25 as Assault and Threatening Violence. Authorities have since recovered Nsiima’s firearm as evidence, while statements from Ms. Atuhumurize and the security guard have been recorded.
ACP Kituuma condemned the officer’s actions, noting that such conduct “contravenes the police disciplinary code” and undermines public trust in law enforcement.
By Wednesday afternoon, the incident had sparked widespread outrage online, with many Ugandans calling for the officer’s dismissal and prosecution.
