Agago District, Uganda – March 10, 2025 –The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) regret to report an incident that led to the fatal shooting of a civilian in Agago District during a routine night patrol.
At approximately 2:30 AM, soldiers from the 79th Battalion encountered a group of civilians drinking in a bar and playing cards beyond the curfew time imposed by local authorities.
The patrol force faced resistance when one civilian grabbed a soldier, which resulted in a shooting that fatally wounded Okiyo Richard, a resident of Lukwong Village, Lomoi Parish, Omiya Pacwa Sub-county. The UPDF condemns any attempt to seize a soldier’s firearm, especially while they are on duty.
The body of the deceased has been transported to Agago Health Center for a postmortem examination. The 5th Division Commander, Major General Keith Katungi, has sanctioned a deeper investigation into the incident. Police, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), and other district authorities visited the scene.
The alleged gang leader of the group, Ongwech Paul, a resident of Loli Village, along with his accomplices, fled the scene and remains at large. Security forces are actively pursuing the suspects to ensure justice and accountability.
Meanwhile, Col. David Opeero, the Deputy Commander of the 5th Division, has advised the public not to attempt to grab weapons from any soldier. “It is uncalled for,” added Col. Opeero in a phone interview on Sunday evening.
He called upon members of the public to cooperate with the army, so that issues such as cattle rustling and illegal charcoal trade can be responded to in a timely manner.
According to Capt. Edrin Mawanda, the UPDF Public Information Officer for the 5th Division, in a statement issued on Sunday: “The UPDF remains committed to upholding peace and security and conducting its operations within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).”
