More details have emerged regarding the tragic incident in Kampala involving a police officer who fatally shot his wife, also a fellow officer, after a prolonged domestic dispute.
The police officer in question has been identified as Assistant Inspector David Ogwang, who was assigned to the Counter Terrorism unit at Police headquarters in Naguru. He stands accused of shooting his wife, Corporal Jennifer Atino, who was attached to the Very Important Person Protection Unit (VIPPU) at the parliament.
According to Patrick Onyango, the spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the incident was the culmination of an ongoing misunderstanding between the couple. Their domestic issues had persisted for a significant period.
Reports suggest that the situation had deteriorated to the point where Corporal Atino had reported the matter to the Child and Family Protection Unit (CFPU) at Jinja Road Police Station on September 1, 2023.
Onyango explained that Ogwang was subsequently summoned to appear at Jinja Road Police Station’s Child and Family Protection Unit to address their issues amicably. He duly reported to the station.
During their discussions, Ogwang expressed grievances about receiving a reduced salary due to loans he claimed the deceased had pressured him into acquiring. Matters escalated when Corporal Atino rejected the financial support Ogwang was offering for their child’s upkeep and insisted that the case be forwarded to court for further resolution.
Following their interaction at the police station, both parties left the premises. Tragically, Ogwang later followed his wife back home, leading to a heated argument. This dispute eventually escalated to the point where Ogwang retrieved his firearm and fatally shot Corporal Atino.
At the crime scene, authorities recovered the weapon used in the shooting, identified as pistol number UG POL 0075461023626429, along with three spent cartridges. The victim’s body was taken to KCCA Mortuary Mulago for postmortem examination, while Ogwang was placed under detention at Jinja Road Police Station as investigations continue.
Patrick Onyango took the opportunity to appeal to members of the armed forces, urging them to seek amicable resolutions to their issues rather than resorting to the use of firearms, which are provided to protect Ugandans.