UPDF Soldier Kills Civilian In Kaabong

A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier has shot dead a civilian in Kaabong district under unclear circumstances.

 

The incident happened in Kaabong town council along Warrior Street, some 182 kilometres North West of Moroto town.

 

Local leaders have identified the dead civilian as Lochul Loutaa, a resident of Meusi village, Morukori parish in Kalapata Sub County.

 

The soldier’s identity remains concealed for security reasons.

 

Joseph Midi Komol, the District Chairperson, attributes the incident to drug consumption adding that some bhang remains were found in the soldier’s pockets. He explains that the soldier just saw the boy drinking local brew and shot at him killing him instantly. He notes that there was no exchange of words but he just opened fire sending the busy street into disarray. Komol appeals to the UPDF leadership to find means of counseling their forces.

 

Simon Lolim, the Kaabong Resident District Commissioner, condemns the killing saying such an action cannot be condoned. She says the suspect will be charged with murder after investigations are complete.

 

This is not the first time soldiers have killed civilians in Kaabong district. In 2011, Private Abiriga Amadi shot dead, Sam Angura, a broker in the town council.

 

In 2012, another soldier, Private Alonsio Emudong shot and killed Hammed Sseyid, a businessman from Kasese and also injured another civilian.

 

In December 2010, Private Herbert Rwakihembo, who had just returned from duty in Somalia, shot dead three people including his wife after a domestic disagreement near his residence in Luzira, a Kampala suburb. He is serving a 30-year jail sentence at Luzira Prison.

 

On March 9, 2013 Private Patrick Okot Odoch killed 10 people after a quarrel in a bar near Bombo Military Barracks. He was in June last year sentenced to 90 years in jail by the Military Court Martial.