Security agencies have arrested Shafik Bwanika who on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, allegedly attempted to drive into Nakasero State Lodge without necessary security clearance.
Special Forces Command (SFC) spokesperson Maj. Jimmy Dennis Omara in a statement released on May 2, said they had opened investigations into the matter to understand the motive of the suspect.
“On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at about 2:10 pm, there was an attempted breach of security on one of the gates of Nakasero State Lodge by a car that wanted to forcefully gain access into State Lodge Nakasero. SFC soldiers on guard thwarted the breach after the car Registration number UBE 434T driven by Bwanika came at a breakneck speed ignoring all security protocols that were severally signalled to them,” Omara said.
He revealed that in a bid to stop the speeding car, warning shots were fired but to no avail, the guards then targeted the car tires which eventually got flattened and slowed down the car.
“On sensing danger, Bwanika made a quick U-turn at the checkpoint and attempted to flee. All the tires were damaged making him drive on wheels up to the gate of Platinum Hospital where he went and parked the car. Police swung into action and had him arrested. He is currently detained at Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala. He was in the company of a female at the time of the incident,” Omara said.
SFC implored the public who would like to access such restricted areas to follow security protocols in place and make use of the available writings on posts and signposts at checkpoints. Not forgetting to adhere to instructions at all times.
SFC is a specialised component of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) tasked with carrying out specialised missions or operations at a moment’s notice. Some of these include guarding the President, members of his family, designated government officials, and some critical installations across the country.
SFC, while conducting its operations co-ordinates closely with the two main arms or services of the UPDF, that is, the land forces and the air forces.
According to the State House website, State House means the official residence of the President. In Uganda at the moment, there are two main State Houses, one in Nakasero, Kampala, and the other in Entebbe. However, there are also several state lodges scattered around the country.