Police Constable Robert Mukebezi,

Surgeons at UMC Victoria Hospital, in Bukoto, amputated Mukebezi's right leg yesterday evening following his shooting on Sunday morning in Ntinda, Kampala.

The bullets that were fired at the traffic officer that fateful Sunday morning reportedly shattered a major artery, thereby obstructing blood circulation in his leg.

The doctors at UMC Victoria Hospital said the lack of blood circulation would lead to the tissue in the leg dying due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients, which would lead to an infection potentially spreading throughout the body and become life threatening.

In was thus in best Mukebezi’s best interest that his leg be amputated, said a doctor.

“We have tried open surgery, or less-invasive options, such as sealing the ruptured artery from within the blood vessel but it was raptured by the bullets and we can’t do much. We are going to amputate the leg,” said the doctor before the procedure.

The Uganda Blood Transfusion Services had supplied the hospital with additional blood to help facilitate the operation.

Police personnel everywhere were crestfallen, vowing to take action.

Asan Kasingye, the Police Force Chief Political commissar said, “Sad to hear that a major artery was raptured. I am in a committee of Defence and Internal Affairs in Parliament right now. I can assure you this matter was also raised here and the legal and disciplinary procedures are on course. We pray for his quick recovery.”

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said a joint team of the security agencies was actively searching for the fugitive UPDF officer responsible for shooting the traffic officer.

Similarly, Enanga condemned the wanton act of violence perpetrated by the UPDF officer with all the emphasis he could muster.

“We do strongly condemn such acts of impunity and abuse of authority because there was no justification at all for the use of a firearm. We wish to remind all security officers that our strength and integrity is derived from our degree of individual excellence,” he said.