Soldier in custody after shooting civilians in self-defence in Kole

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 5th Division has officially addressed a shooting incident in Kole district on November 2, 2025, in which a soldier shot and killed a civilian during an alleged attempt to disarm him.

Colonel Gai Fraser Mpadwa, Deputy Division Commander of the 5th Division, confirmed the incident during a press briefing on Monday, November 3.

He stated that Private Okoboi Samson, 27, is a soldier attached to the 103 Battalion in Lira Barracks. He was on official duty along the Lira–Kwania highway when he was confronted by Olwit Santo, 27.

Olwit is a peasant farmer from Akalo town council. One other was shot and left with injuries.

According to Col. Mpadwa, the individuals attempted to forcefully disarm the soldier. During the ensuing struggle, Private Samson fired in self-defense, fatally shooting Olwit Santo.

A stray bullet also injured 19-year-old Elem Allan, a farmer from Dibadi village, who was subsequently rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital with a rib injury.

Col. Mpadwa strongly condemned the attack on security personnel, emphasizing that “the law does not permit such acts against armed officers on duty. There is no justification for attacking a trained soldier while they are performing their duties.”

He further revealed that initial findings suggest the attackers were part of a group of three individuals with the intent to steal the soldier’s firearm.

The North Kyoga Regional Police, in coordination with the UPDF, have registered a murder case with investigation under CRB 462/2025 ongoing.

Police PRO for North Kyoga Region SP Jimmy Patrick Okema reported that the incident occurred around 8:30 pm on November 2 in Akalo town council.

Upon notification, a team led by the Kole District Police Commander, along with homicide and scene-of-crime officers, secured and documented the area.

The body of the deceased was transported to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination, and statements were collected from eyewitnesses and the injured victim.

Private Okoboi Samson was arrested and handed over to UPDF authorities at Lira Military Barracks for further investigation.