Tension gripped parts of Kampala’s central business district after a viral video showing armed security officers firing into the air sparked widespread concern among the public, prompting an official response from the Uganda Police Force.
In a statement issued following the circulation of the footage online, police confirmed the incident occurred on Monday, July 20, 2026, at around 6:00 p.m. in Nakivubo Cell, Nakasero III Ward within the busy CBD.
The officers involved had reportedly been deployed to carry out an arrest operation targeting suspected offenders at the Original Kiseka Spare Centre in Kiseka Market.
According to police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the situation escalated when a group of individuals at the scene allegedly became hostile and attempted to block the arrest.
“We have taken note of a viral video circulating on social media showing armed security officers firing shots into the air,” the statement read.
“During the operation, a group of individuals turned violent and attempted to obstruct the lawful arrest of the suspects.”
Police said the officers responded by firing warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and regain control of the situation.
The move, though intended as a crowd control measure, triggered alarm among members of the public who witnessed the incident or later viewed the footage online.
“In order to disperse the unruly crowd and restore order, the officers fired warning shots into the air,” Kituuma added, maintaining that the action was necessary under the circumstances.