UPDF soldier commits suicide in Alebtong district

The police in Alebtong district are investigating a suspected case of suicide by hanging.

SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police PRO, stated that the incident occurred on March 21, 2026, at Akaidebe village.

The matter was reported at Adwir Police Station on March 22, 2026, at around 12:00 pm by Oleke Peter, 44, and the LC1 chairperson of the village.

SP Okema identified the deceased as Erepu David, 44. He was a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier attached to Acol Pii in Pader district and a resident of Akaidebe village.

Okema further explained that it is alleged the deceased had separated from his wife some time back and had been residing with his stepmother, one Ayao Susan.

Police noted that the two reportedly developed a misunderstanding over the use of an ox plough at home, an issue that arose approximately two days prior to the incident.

According to the report, on the night of March 21, 2026, at around 11:00 pm, the deceased reportedly collected the key to his house from his stepmother and went to his house. The following morning, March 22, 2026, at about 7:00 am, Ayao went to call him and found his door open.

When she called him and received no response, she peeped inside the house and discovered him hanging from a rope. She raised an alarm, drawing the attention of neighbors, and the matter was reported to the LC1 chairperson and subsequently to the police.

A team from Alebtong District Police headquarters, led by ASP Besigye Gilbert, the Officer in Charge of Alebtong Police Station, accompanied by D/IP Oyoo Tabu, the Deputy Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigations (OC CID), a Scene of Crime Officer, and homicide personnel, visited the scene on March 22, 2026, at around 4:30 pm.

The scene was documented, relevant witness statements were recorded, and the body of the deceased was recovered and conveyed to Alebtong Health Centre IV, pending a postmortem examination.

Police have opened a case of suspected suicide to facilitate investigations. Inquiries are ongoing to establish and confirm the exact identity and employment particulars of the deceased as a UPDF soldier.

Further updates will be provided as investigations progress, added SP Okema.