Traders at Kiseka Market say the nearly one-hour shooting spree by security operatives forced them to close their businesses and flee for safety on Monday.
Business in arcades along Aga Khan Road remained paralysed for more than two hours after plain-clothed security operatives travelling in the infamous “drone” minibus clashed with traders at the Original Kiseka Spare Parts Centre Arcade during an attempted arrest.
According to traders, the confrontation began when security operatives attempted to arrest a spare parts dealer on the second floor of one of the arcades. A trader, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, said three armed officers entered the shop and attempted to apprehend the suspect.
However, the trader reportedly demanded that they identify themselves and explain the charges against him.
“The officers appeared to be in a hurry and were unwilling to answer any questions,” the trader said.
“When they tried to forcefully drag him downstairs, other traders began shouting, asking who they were and where they were taking him.”
The situation quickly escalated as more security operatives reportedly emerged from the waiting minibus.
“People from other shops started shouting, ‘Who are you? Where are you taking him?’ Then six more men jumped out, took positions and started shooting in the air and at the sixth floor where mechanics were running and screaming. When they fired, people in the next arcade started throwing stones at them,” the trader said.
The situation quickly escalated as more security operatives reportedly emerged from the waiting minibus.
“People from other shops started shouting, ‘Who are you? Where are you taking him?’ Then six more men jumped out, took positions and started shooting in the air and at the sixth floor where mechanics were running and screaming. When they fired, people in the next arcade started throwing stones at them,” the trader said.
According to eyewitnesses, the operatives abandoned the arrest after encountering resistance from traders and members of the public. They reportedly drove towards Nabugabo police station before making a U-turn and returning to the market, where they fired more shots into the air before leaving the area.
Traders said calm was only restored after Military Police personnel deployed to the scene and secured the area. Joseph Akiiki, a motorcycle spare parts dealer, said the confrontation caused widespread panic, forcing traders to shut their shops and flee.
He said much of the gunfire appeared to be directed towards the upper floors of the buildings, where traders and mechanics had taken cover.
“We are left with many questions,” Akiiki said. “We shut our shops and fled to save our lives. We do not understand the reason for the indiscriminate gunfire. Had their intention been to arrest criminals, they would not have come in plain clothes, as the public tends to resist unknown persons. Furthermore, why was there shooting inside the buildings? Innocent people could have been killed.”
Akiiki added that although the operatives appeared to make arrests, he could not independently confirm who had been taken into custody. Responding to the incident, Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the security team had been conducting an operation at the Original Kiseka Spare Parts Centre to arrest suspected offenders.
He said some members of the public became violent and attempted to obstruct the lawful arrests. Videos recorded by members of the public have since circulated widely on social media, attracting criticism over the conduct of security operatives, particularly the use of plain-clothed officers carrying firearms in a crowded commercial area.
Kituuma, however, defended the operation, saying officers discharged warning shots into the air to disperse an unruly crowd and restore order.
“The officers fired warning shots in the air to disperse the violent crowd and enable the operation to continue safely,” he said.
The incident has renewed public debate over the conduct of security agencies during arrests, particularly the use of plain-clothed operatives and firearms in populated areas.
Some Ugandans argue that such operations undermine public confidence in law enforcement and contribute to negative international perceptions of the country’s human rights record, with potential implications for trade, tourism and travel advisories.