Police in Ibanda are investigating the circumstances surrounding a violent altercation involving a 50-year-old butcher named Kelesensio Mwesigye and a 34-year-old policeman, Justus Najuna. The incident occurred as the officer and his colleagues were enforcing restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of animal diseases in the district.

Authorities stated that the policemen, dispatched from Ibanda Central Police Station (CPS), arrived at Mabonwa around 3am on Saturday, following reports of illegal animal slaughtering activities potentially linked to the spread of anthrax or Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

According to Ibanda police in charge, Oumo Cooper, the team arrived at Mabonwa by 5am and observed the suspects finishing the slaughter and skinning of a cow. Upon approaching the suspects and identifying themselves as officers, five of them surrendered their weapons. However, another suspect emerged from a banana plantation and attacked the police officer with a knife, resulting in a severe neck injury. The officer was saved by PC Okello Mondry, who intervened and shot the suspect in the thigh.

Police have collected evidence including meat, weapons, and on-scene photographs. Both the suspect and the injured policeman were admitted to Ruhoko Health Centre IV following the incident.

Ibanda RDC Caleb Tukaikiriza condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for compliance with government regulations. He stated that the suspect would be held accountable for violating the law and harming a policeman on duty.

Tukaikiriza pledged to intensify enforcement efforts, warning that those disregarding restrictions would face consequences in the ongoing fight against the spread of foot and mouth disease and anthrax.