KOLE DISTRICT – A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer is in military custody following a fatal shooting incident on Sunday evening in Akalo Town Council, Kole District, which left one civilian dead and another injured by a stray bullet.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:30 pm on November 2, 2025, along the Lira-Kwania Highway, is currently under joint investigation by the Territorial Police in North Kyoga Region and the UPDF.
According to a statement released by North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the deceased has been identified as Olwit Santo, a 27-year-old peasant farmer from Akalo Town Council.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the soldier, Private Koboi Samson, aged 27 and attached to the 103 Battalion in Lira Barracks, was on official duty when he was confronted by Olwit Santo and an unidentified accomplice.
"The officer... was on official duty along the Lira–Kwania Highway when the deceased... together with an unidentified accomplice, forcefully attempted to disarm the soldier of his rifle," the police statement read.
A violent struggle allegedly ensued. Police state that Private Samson, "fearing for his life and the loss of his weapon, acted in self-defense, leading to the fatal shooting of the deceased."
Tragically, during the altercation, a stray bullet struck a bystander, 19-year-old Elem Allan, a peasant farmer from Dibadi Village. Elem sustained an injury to the right side of his ribs and was rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Upon receiving the report, a team led by the Kole District Police Commander (DPC) cordoned off the scene. Homicide and Scene of Crime officers conducted a thorough documentation process. The body of Olwit Santo was conveyed to the Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
"The officer involved, Pte. Koboi Samson, was subsequently arrested and handed over to the UPDF authorities at Lira Military Barracks for further management and internal disciplinary review," SP Okema confirmed.
The police have registered the case under CRB 462/2025 and are continuing their investigations to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Authorities are also seeking to identify the second individual who was with the deceased.
SP Okema concluded the statement by extending the police's condolences to the bereaved family and wishing the injured victim a quick recovery.
