Police in Mbarara have arrested Richard Agumaniiwe, 27, the motorcyclist seen in a viral video knocking down a police officer during a presidential campaign event.
Agumaniiwe, a resident of Katojo Cell in Mbarara City South Division, is facing attempted murder charges after he allegedly rammed into SP Kennedy Ocaya, the OC Station of Ruti–Mbarara City South Division.
The video also shows a second motorcyclist arriving shortly after the incident. Police have identified him as a passerby who stopped out of curiosity but was not involved in the assault. His presence in the footage contributed to the online attention the clip received as bystanders gathered at the scene.
Rwizi Region Police spokesperson Samson Kasasira confirmed the circumstances leading to the arrest. “Agumaniiwe knocked Ocaya while on lawful duty during the campaign trail of the President of the Republic of Uganda and the presidential flag bearer of the NRM party in Mbarara on Monday,” he said. The collision occurred on 01/12/2025, around 1600hrs, at the Kikona Ruti Town Road junction along the Mbarara–Kabale highway.
Kasasira noted that Ocaya and a team of officers were managing traffic to clear the route for the presidential convoy. “Ocaya together with his junior officers were on duty clearing the road for the President’s motorcade/convoy that was coming from Rwampara District headed to Mbarara City for the last campaign rally of day,” he explained.
Police say Agumaniiwe showed signs of intoxication at the time of his arrest and was subjected to a “Kawunyemu” breathalyzer test to assess his alcohol levels. Kasasira reported that “The suspect ridding on motorcycle registration number UAC 177Z Yamaha was signalled to get off the road but he kept coming at a very high speed and knocked the complainant intentionally leaving him with injuries.”
SP Ocaya was quickly taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment and is reported to be recovering well.
As investigations proceed, Agumaniiwe’s breathalyzer results will play a crucial role in shaping the charges against him. Meanwhile, the officer’s calm and professional handling of the situation—captured clearly in the viral footage—has drawn widespread praise from the public.