A 38-year-old boda-boda rider was shot dead by a police officer in Ndejje Kanaaba, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District, shortly before the start of the government’s monthly National Cleaning Day exercise on Saturday.

The deceased, identified as Ronald Kizito Jjuuko, was reportedly shot at about 6:50 a.m., approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the cleaning exercise.

According to eyewitnesses, police officers attempted to stop Jjuuko as he rode through the area, but he allegedly refused to stop. The witnesses said Police Constable Allan Okello first fired warning shots into the air before allegedly shooting Jjuuko in the back.

Jjuuko, a native of Nakaseke in Luweero District, died at the scene.

The shooting sparked anger among residents of Kanaaba, with some community members expressing concern over the use of lethal force during enforcement of the cleaning directive.

A brother of the deceased, who requested anonymity, told Reporter's Desk that Jjuuko was shot before the official time for the cleaning exercise.

“We are going to follow up on the murder of our brother until we get justice,” he said.

John Bosco Galabuzi, the area mayor of Makindye-Ssabagabo, condemned the use of what he described as excessive force, arguing that the situation could have been handled using less force.

The incident also left residents demanding accountability from the police.

Innocent Mubangizi, the Katwe Police Commander, told the angry residents that investigations would be conducted and that the officer involved would be held accountable if found to have committed an offence.

"The law states that whoever commits a crime, even if he is a police personnel, will individually be held accountable. As we speak now, the suspect is already in custody,” Mubangizi said.

Rachel Kawala, the police spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Area, confirmed that the officer was in custody and said investigations were underway to establish exactly how the incident unfolded.

The killing has renewed questions about the enforcement of public directives and the use of firearms by law enforcement officers, as residents continue to demand justice for Jjuuko.

Police investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether the use of lethal force was justified.