UPDF Captain, Two Others Arrested for Shooting Man Dead

The Criminal Investigations Directorate has arrested a Uganda People’s Defence Forces –UPDF Captain and two soldiers on accusations of shooting and killing a man last month.

Capt. Tonny Olinga and his two juniors identified as Okello and Oloya allegedly killed, Vincent Opiyo, on 13th of November at Apaa, Zoka forest in Adjumani District. The trio’s arrest came after, President Yoweri Museveni, during his campaigns received complaints from locals accusing Capt Olinga and other soldiers of maliciously killing Opiyo whom they accused of carrying charcoal bags.

CID team led by Francis Olugu, who is also head of general crimes desk, has established that Olinga on the fateful day mobilized four-armed Uganda Wildlife Authority –UWA and eleven UPDF soldiers for an operation to curb people found in possession of wildlife products.

Investigations indicate that Olinga attempted to arrest Opiyo who was driving a Canter lorry number UAU 932G at Apaa market on allegations that he was carrying five bags of charcoal in his motor vehicle.

Olugu’s investigations indicate that the deceased first threatened to knock the checkpoint if soldiers did not allow him to proceed since he believed he had not committed any crime. Opiyo insisted that he did not have any wildlife products.

“The driver reversed for approximately 100 meters and sped over the logs used to block the road thus prompting Okello to shoot at the left rear tyres. Oloya who was 15 metres ahead of the checkpoint also turned on the right-hand side of the driver and shot two bullets on the front tyres and deflated them,” investigations report reads in part.

CID indicates that Opiyo moved out of the vehicle but Oloya moved closer and shot the deceased at his back thus killing him instantly.

Charles Twine, who is also the CID spokesperson, confirmed trio’s arrest. Twine added that the suspects will be charged in General Court Martial as advised by Directorate of Public Prosecution.

“As CID we did our investigations expeditiously but given to the nature of the crime and background of the suspects, the DPP advised us to hand over the suspects to Army and they will be charged at the place where they committed the crime in the presence of the community,” ASP Twine said.

Capt Olinga, Okello and Oloya are currently detained at UPDF’s Fourth Division in Gulu District. Post-mortem report indicates that Opiyo was shot as he was fleeing from the soldiers. A bullet according to investigators was shot at his back and exited through his chest.