RUKIGA, UGANDA – A family in Rukiga District is pleading for justice and medical assistance after their son was seriously wounded in a late-night shooting involving a senior army officer.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The victim has been identified as Elija Magezi, a high school graduate who was allegedly shot by Lt. Col. Dr. Julius Emmy Kumanya of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The incident occurred in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when Magezi was walking home with four friends after attending an overnight church service.
According to witness accounts, the group was illuminated by a vehicle’s headlights. Magezi’s friends stepped aside, but he, convinced of his innocence, kept walking. The vehicle stopped and its occupant demanded to know where he was going.
Speaking to this reporter, Magezi stated that the UPDF officer, Lt. Col. Kumanya, allegedly stepped out of the vehicle and, despite Magezi’s cries of innocence, shot him in the thigh, inflicting serious injuries.
He added that the officer reportedly told the wounded Magezi to continue on his way, leaving him injured and alone in a desperate fight for help.
The wounded Magezi first sought assistance from a nearby business owner for a ride to the hospital, but the owner had already retired for the night.
Left with no alternative, Magezi limped for over an hour to Mutukura Health Centre II, where a guard turned him away. Magezi stated that he finally received first aid at the local Muheru Drug Shop.
However, his condition is now worsening, and his family cannot afford the proper medical care he requires.
The day after the shooting, Magezi reported the incident to Rukiga Central Police Station (CRB 365/2025). Police launched an investigation and questioned Lt. Col. Kumanya.
The officer admitted to firing his gun, telling police he believed Magezi was part of an armed gang, a claim Magezi and his family strongly deny.
Magezi’s mother, Ruth Nuwagaba, says police visited the scene, where the officer again acknowledged the shooting. However, she feels the pursuit of justice has stalled.
Ruth expressed frustration that obstacles created by the officer’s rank and wealth have hindered progress, adding that even local officials have failed to provide support. She called on authorities to intervene and help her son.
Attempts to get a comment from Lt. Col. Dr. Julius Emmy Kumanya, were unsuccessful, as repeated phone calls went unanswered.
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