13-Year-Old Boy Shot Dead During URA Anti-Smuggling Operation in Busia

A 13-year-old boy has been shot dead during a confrontation between residents and soldiers attached to a Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement team in Busia District. 

The deceased, identified as Dominic Wejuli, was reportedly shot as URA enforcement officers moved to impound suspected smuggled goods from neighbouring Kenya, which had been stored in a shop at Buhobe Trading Centre in Bulumbi Sub-county. 

According to police, the operation triggered a confrontation after residents reportedly turned rowdy in an attempt to prevent the enforcement team from confiscating the goods. 

Moses Johnson Mugwe, the Bukedi South Police spokesperson, explained that a UPDF soldier attached to the URA enforcement team opened fire to disperse the allegedly violent residents. However, one of the bullets struck Wejuli, who was inside a house at the time. The juvenile died instantly. 

Muhammed Ntalo, an eyewitness, condemned the manner in which URA conducts its enforcement operations, accusing the agency of using excessive force and putting the lives of innocent residents at risk. He alleged that the URA enforcement officers started firing live bullets shortly after arriving at the trading centre, leaving residents frightened.   

Harriet Nekesa, the deceased’s sister, said the family was at a restaurant when they heard gunshots, only to discover moments later that their young sibling, a Primary Four pupil, had been shot. 

David Wandera, another resident, called on URA to review its enforcement procedures and prioritise the safety of civilians during its operations. He also appealed to the government to intervene and address what residents describe as unlawful enforcement practices characterised by excessive force. 

David Ouma, a teacher at Buhobe Primary School, condemned the circumstances under which the young boy lost his life and appealed to the government to intervene and ensure that the bereaved family receives justice.

The incident has renewed concerns over the conduct of armed security personnel during revenue enforcement operations, with residents demanding accountability and measures to prevent similar tragedies. By press time, police had taken the deceased’s body to Busia Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination as investigations into the shooting continued.