A soldier from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Corporal David Asasira, attached to Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) enforcement unit, lost his life in an incident involving a Kenyan-registered truck carrying suspected smuggled goods in Sofia ‘B’ Village, Busia municipality, . The soldier attempted to intercept the truck loaded with motor vehicle tires as it entered Uganda. Unfortunately, he was fatally struck by the truck and succumbed to his injuries.
The incident occurred early on Saturday morning, and Sergeant Ivan Ategeka, a policeman accompanying Asasira, survived with severe injuries. An eyewitness reported that Asasira was deceived by one of the smugglers to stand in front of the truck. The driver, already in the vehicle, accelerated, knocking down the soldier. The truck then reversed and ran over him.
The occupants of the truck fled back to Kenya after the incident, according to UPDF spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kuliagye. However, authorities discovered the suspected smuggled motor vehicle tires at the home of a Busia resident, leading to an arrest. The police are collaborating with Interpol to investigate and apprehend the suspects, even if they are in Kenya. Efforts are also underway to work with Kenyan authorities to impound the truck.
Sergeant Ategeka, attached to the Police Field Force Unit, is receiving medical treatment at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. The investigation revealed that a gun belonging to the deceased soldier was recovered, and his body has been taken to Rubongi Army Hospital mortuary in Tororo District for a postmortem examination. The authorities disclosed that the soldier suffered broken ribs, consistent with being hit by a blunt object.
This incident marks the second time in less than 10 years that an officer attached to Uganda’s tax body has been murdered in Busia District. The tragic event is reminiscent of a similar incident six years ago when senior URA staff Richard Okwi was abducted, killed, and his assailants remain at large.
