UPDF Soldier Killed After Fatal Shooting Rampage

(Kasese) – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed that a soldier who fatally shot a colleague and injured another has been killed by a military squad in Kasese district. The incident, which occurred on November 5, 2024, has drawn attention to ongoing safety measures within the military.

According to Major Bilal Katamba, spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, the soldier involved was identified as Private Isaac Lukwang, registration number RA/251424. Lukwang was based with the 5th Mountain Battalion in Rusese, Kasese. Reports suggest that he acted erratically when he entered a colleague’s house, seized a firearm, and began shooting indiscriminately, injuring Private Joel Alebu, registration number RA/251412, and killing Private Solomon Kule, registration number RA/251171.

The violent sequence began when Lukwang accessed a gun and fired at his colleagues without warning, injuring Alebu and later fatally wounding Kule. After the shootings, he fled the scene, initiating a large-scale search by UPDF units.

On the morning of November 4, at around 4:00 a.m., Lukwang reportedly approached a UPDF border detachment at Kamukumbi. There, he shot Kule, who was on duty as a sentry, fatally injuring him and seizing his gun. This intensified the search efforts by UPDF teams determined to prevent further harm.

UPDF personnel successfully located Lukwang later that day. According to Major Katamba, the military squad confronted Lukwang, who resisted by firing upon the squad. In the ensuing exchange, Lukwang was killed, and the two firearms in his possession were safely recovered.

The UPDF expressed condolences to the family of the slain soldier, Kule, and wished Alebu a swift recovery. Major Katamba also stated that the UPDF Mountain Division would set up a board of inquiry to investigate the incident and determine the underlying causes of the violent outburst.

Table: Key Details of Kasese Shooting Incident