Choir member dies after being shot by LDU in curfew operation

Wycliffe Shambi is the latest victim of brutal curfew enforcement by security operatives.

Beloved Choir member Wycliffe Shambi (squatting in fore-front) died after being shot by LDU, Church says. COURTESY PHOTO.


By Our Reporter

Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine is mourning the loss of a beloved choir member who died unexpectedly after being shot by Local Defence Unit (LDU) personnel over the weekend in an operation to enforce curfew.

According to the Church, Wycliffe Shambi breathed his last on Saturday night after LDUs enforcing curfew in Kiwamirembe – Masajja B opened fire at him.

The Church described the deceased as an “active member” always present during the 11:00 o’clock mass.

“When we got to Church this morning, the mood was somber and our (the) choir was no where. Later, the priest announced that a choir member was shot dead last night by LDU enforcing curfew. It is heartbreaking that 1 year later, LDU is still shooting people cause of curfew. RIP Wycliffe Shambi,” Sarah Biryomumaisho, a journalist and member of Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine tweeted.

An eye witness at the scene who spoke on condition of anonymity said LDUs entered Wycliffe’s kiosk and “just attacked” without prior interrogation of any kind.

Security operatives are yet to respond to this development.

Following media reports, several Ugandans have been killed in the last couple of months by security agencies (Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force and Local Defense Unit (LDU) personnel) in operations to enforce COVID-19 directives issued by the president in March last year. 

“The LDUs continue to wreak havoc and kill our people in the name of enforcing a senseless curfew that serves no purpose in the context of Uganda. Each day we receive reports of trigger-happy LDUs shooting innocent Ugandans with reckless abandon,” NUP leader Mr Robert Kyagulanyi – also known as Bobi Wine, said following Wycliffe’s shooting.

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