In the Agago District, a soldier from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces shot an innocent civilian who was enjoying time with his friends. The situation reportedly began when the armed soldier, identified as Private Ebamu Samuel, came across a group of civilians drinking and playing cards (matatu) after the curfew set by local authorities.
According to insiders, the confrontation intensified, resulting in gunfire that led to several fatalities.
The event took place around 2:30 a.m. when UPDF personnel from a local battalion were on patrol to enforce the curfew. When they found the civilians at a bar, a conflict allegedly ensued, culminating in a violent altercation. It has been reported that the soldier not only seized the cards from the civilians but also took their money. This provoked one of the players to become aggressive, grabbing the armed soldier by the neck and fleeing.
Private Ebamu then chased after the individual known as Ongwech, despite the absence of light. In the process, he collided with another man named Okio Richard, mistakenly believing him to be the earlier assailant, and shot him in the stomach. Okio, aged 35, died on the spot, and a report regarding the incident was made by an individual named Omal Samuel to Laimwo Police Post.
Although the UPDF apprehended Ebamu Samuel, he has not yet faced any charges. The Armed Forces have since issued a statement denouncing the incident, although they have attributed some blame to the civilian who attempted to seize the soldier’s firearm.
“The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) regret to report an incident that resulted in the fatal shooting of a civilian in Agago District during a routine night patrol.
At approximately 2:30 am, soldiers from the 79 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, and one civilian grabbed a soldier, resulting in a shooting that fatally wounded and killed Okiyo Richard, a resident of Lukwong Village, Lomoi Parish, Omia Pachwac Sub-county.
The UPDF condemns any attempt to seize a soldier’s firearm, especially when they are on duty.
The body of the deceased was transported to Agago Health Center for a postmortem examination.
The Division Commander, Major General Keith Katungi, has sanctioned deeper investigations into the incident.
The police, 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, while security forces are actively pursuing them to ensure justice and accountability.
The UPDF remains committed to upholding peace and security and conducting its operations within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Capt Edrin Mawanda
5 Division Public Information Officer,”
