Police in Hoima East Division, Hoima City, were involved in a dramatic night operation that ended in a car chase, gunfire, and the arrest of a married woman after a suspicious vehicle was discovered parked in bushes near a school.
The incident happened on the night of 5th July 2026 at around 11:00 PM in Kijungu Isaka Cell, Central Ward. Police received information from an informant that a white Toyota Wish, registration number UBQ 697 X, had been seen parked in a hidden area near the gate of Winners International Secondary School. It was also alleged that a schoolgirl had been seen entering the vehicle, raising suspicion of inappropriate activity.
Acting on the information, the Deputy Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) of Hoima CBD, together with officers, immediately moved to verify the report. A Quick Response Team (QRT) made up of armed police officers on motorcycles was deployed to the scene for support.
When the officers arrived, they found the vehicle still parked in the bushes as reported. As they approached, they noticed a man inside the car together with a woman. Police ordered the occupants to open the doors, but the driver refused to comply. Instead, he suddenly started the vehicle and attempted to escape.
In the process, the speeding vehicle knocked down one police officer, Corporal Twongo Julius, who fell onto the bonnet. This forced another officer, PC Mwebaza Christopher, to fire three bullets aimed at deflating the tyres in order to stop the escape. However, the driver continued driving despite the gunfire.
The injured officer managed to jump off the moving vehicle, sustaining minor injuries. Moments later, the driver pushed the woman out of the vehicle while still on the run. The woman was immediately arrested at the scene by police officers.
The suspect later abandoned the vehicle along the Hoima–Karyabwire road and fled. Police recovered the locked vehicle, which had both front and rear tyres damaged by gunshots, and towed it to Hoima Central Police Station for inspection and further investigation.
The arrested woman was identified as Namutebi Norah, a 29-year-old married housewife from Kijungu Isaka Cell. Reports indicate she was involved in the incident while her husband was away at work.
The injured officer was treated and confirmed to have sustained minor injuries. Police have since opened a case of attempted murder under reference SD. 02/06/07/26 and launched a manhunt for the fleeing driver.
Investigations into the full circumstances of the incident are still ongoing as authorities work to apprehend the suspect and establish all details surrounding the case.
