Police Constable Ivan Wabwire has been apprehended and charged with murder after shooting and killing an Indian money lender on May 12. The victim, identified as Uttam Bhandari, was tragically shot at close range at Raja Chambers along Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala.
Following an intensive joint operation by security forces, PC Wabwire was traced to Busia District where he was eventually arrested on May 14. The arrest was carried out by a joint team led by DPC Busia SP Didas Byaruhanga, combining efforts from the Flying Squad Unit and territorial police in Busia.
Disturbing footage obtained from the crime scene clearly shows PC Wabwire firing multiple bullets at Mr. Bhandari after a brief conversation. Witnesses inside the office fled for their lives, attempting to escape the sudden violence. Uttam Bhandari, who served as the director of TFS Financial Services, lost his life in the tragic incident.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that PC Wabwire had previously obtained a loan of Shs2,130,000 from TFS Financial Services in 2020. The disagreement over a repayment plan for this loan appears to have been a significant factor in the incident. Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango has stated that PC Wabwire has a history of mental instability, which may have contributed to his actions on that fateful day.
PC Wabwire, a 30-year-old officer stationed at Kampala Central Police Station, had previously faced firearm restrictions due to his mental health issues. In 2018, he was prohibited from carrying a gun for a six-year period following his admission to Butabika Hospital on two separate occasions for mental health treatment. Reports indicate that PC Wabwire’s mental health concerns had been observed as early as 2016, even before he joined the police force.
Authorities have alleged that PC Wabwire stole the firearm used in the shooting from his fellow policeman and roommate, Steven Mulambo, who is presently in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences that can arise from unaddressed mental health challenges and raises important questions about firearm regulations and access within the police force. The case will continue to be investigated to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure justice for Uttam Bhandari and his grieving family.
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