Police is investigating the attempted murder of a one Patrick Katatanzi, a Centenary Bank manager who was splashed with acid as he drove home from work.
Katatanzi sustained injuries from the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Nsambya Hospital.
The suspects who were allegedly moving on a motorcycle are however still at large, according to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson.
“Police in Katwe received information that someone had been attacked by use of acid along Makindye road near KCCA offices. The relevant police teams responded at the scene where the vehicle of the victim registration number UAU 954J was found,” he said
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening.
It is alleged that while along Makindye road, two men on a motorcycle came from the rear of his vehicle and threw at him a jug containing a liquid suspected to be acid.
“The liquid splashed on him and burnt him as well as the clothes he was dressed in. He however managed to park the car aside and ran out to Makindye medical center, which was close to the scene before he was rushed to Nsambya hospital, by a good Samaritan,” Owoyesigyire said, adding that part of the driver’s seat also got burnt.
Police officers examined the scene and were able to pick samples of the liquid which have been submitted to Government Analytical Laboratories in Wandegeya for analysis.
“With the help of CCTV cameras, we are hopeful the assailants will be arrested as soon as possible,” he said.
Cases of acid attacks have increased in the recent past. Acid melts the human flesh and can cause death. The assailants mainly use sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, which can burn through the skin, muscle and even bones. Unfortunately, about 12% of acid attacks are usually fatal.
In Uganda, the medical remedy for acid survivors is limited. Most of the patients are referred to Mulago Hospital, which has opened a specialised burns unit, the only one in East Africa.
The victims need specialised plastic surgery and several operations which can cost up to $10,000 (sh16m), which many cannot afford.
