Serere, Uganda — Police in the South Kyoga region have launched investigations into the killing of a Special Police Constable (SPC) and the injury of four others during a violent incident that occurred at Olagara Landing Site in Serere District.
The deceased officer has been identified as SPC Ivan Eibu, aged about 30. The incident happened on February 2, 2026, at around 10:00 p.m. while police were conducting an arrest operation.
According to the South Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr. Stephen Mukombe, the officers were attempting to arrest one Bashir Etidau, a 42-year-old resident of Pokor B Village, Kamasala Parish, Kateta Sub-county, Serere District, in connection with a murder case registered as CRB 003/2026. During the operation, Etidau allegedly raised an alarm, prompting members of the public to gather and intervene.
In the ensuing chaos, the suspect was forcefully rescued by the crowd and managed to escape from police custody. During the confrontation, SPC Ivan Eibu was fatally attacked. Mukombe further noted that following his escape, Etidau is now also wanted in connection with a new suspected murder case registered under CRB 072/2026.
Four police officers sustained injuries during the incident, including the Officer in Charge (OC) of the station, Sergeant Robert Ocana, and three other officers. All the injured are currently receiving treatment at Serere Health Centre IV.
Police have since arrested ten suspects to assist with investigations into the attack. Mukombe also revealed that two motorcycles, including a police motorcycle registration number UP 6138 and a Bajaj motorcycle, were set on fire by the mob and burnt beyond recognition.
The body of the deceased officer has been conveyed to Serere Health Centre IV pending a postmortem examination.
Mr. Mukombe described the incident as unprecedented in the region, noting that South Kyoga has generally remained peaceful. He appealed to the public to cooperate with security agencies and avoid taking the law into their own hands as investigations continue.
