A con man identified as Sharifk Bwanika, while fleeing from the police, rammed into Nakasero State Lodge in Kampala on April 30, 2024, at breakneck speed, ignoring security protocols that were given by the guards on duty, leading to the death of Mercy Evelyn Aketch Adiko, 23.
According to Maj. Denis Omara, the Public Information Officer of Special Forces Command (SFC) under the Uganda Peoples’ Defence (UPDF), a speeding car registration number UBE 434 T approached one of the gates at Nakasero State Lodge at breakneck speed, and all efforts by the guards to signal it to stop failed, prompting guards on duty to fire shots targeting the tyres, flattening them.
“The guards then targeted the car tyres, which eventually got flattened and slowed down the car. When Bwanika sensed danger, he made a quick U-turn at the checkpoint and attempted to flee; all the tyres were damaged, making him drive on wheels up to the gate of Platinum Hospital, where he went and parked the car,” Maj. Omara said.
Maj. Omara stated that the female occupant, Mercy Evelyn Aketch Adiko, 23, a sister of the conned victim, Joseph Owor, who was wounded during the shooting, later succumbed to the injuries.
According to sources, con man Bwainka approached Joseph Owor and claimed that he works as a state house employee who can help him go to Canada for a job for a fee of Ugx 18 million.
They stated that Bwanika first received Ugx 5 million in February and another Ugx. 3 million in March, but he eventually started dodging Owor, making him suspicious and prompting him to report the matter to the police. A trap was laid for Bwanika, and he was lured to Arua Park to pick up the balance.
“A trap was laid by police for Bwanika to meet Owor at Arua Park so that he could be paid the balance of Ugx10 million. They met and entered Bwanika’s car registration number, UBE 434 T, which his sister Aketch had also entered. On sensing that police were following them, the suspect sped off, and the complainant jumped out of the car, leaving the sister inside. The suspect drove off towards Nakasero,” said the source.
Bwanika, who is currently detained at the Central Police Station in Kampala, has been charged with abduction. His case has been recorded at CPS under SD REF 87/30/4/2024 CRB742/2024 by the police, and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motive of the suspect.
Security has advised and implored the public that whoever would like to access such restricted areas should follow the security protocols in place, make use of the available writing on posts, sign posts at checkpoints, and adhere to the instructions at all times.
