Uganda debates police enforcement after fatal shooting of boda boda rider

The fatal shooting of 28-year-old boda boda rider Ronald Jjuuko Kizito during Uganda’s National Cleaning Day has sparked intense political debate and calls for police reform. The incident occurred on August 29, 2026, in Ndejje, Kanaaba, when a police constable allegedly shot Kizito during an altercation while the rider was reportedly responding to a medical emergency.

Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba expressed regret over the killing before Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights, stating that nothing can rationalize the death. He emphasized the need for better deployment strategies, such as group-based operations and mandatory briefings, to prevent individual officer misconduct.

Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, condemned the incident as “criminality” and criticized the violent enforcement of movement restrictions during the sanitation exercise. Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Hassan Kirumira has called for the government to compensate the victim's family and requested that the Ministry of Internal Affairs interdict the officer involved. Lawmakers have also urged the police to gazette clear guidelines for the cleaning exercise to prevent further confusion and loss of life.