(Agago) – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have confirmed the arrest of Private Bonny Ameny, a 45 year old soldier with the elite Special Forces Command (SFC), who is suspected of involvement in a shooting incident that claimed three lives and left two injured on October 20, 2024. The incident occurred in Ngora East village, Paimol sub-county, in Agago District.
Ameny surrendered to authorities on October 30 in Paimol, Agago District, and was subsequently taken to a nearby military base in Omia Pacha. The UPDF’s 5th Division court martial is expected to file formal charges against Ameny, with proceedings scheduled to take place in Paimol.
The UPDF spokesperson, Capt. Edrin Mawanda, stated that preliminary investigations indicate the shooting may have stemmed from personal issues. Ameny reportedly had been experiencing ongoing tension with his wife, Betty Angom, who had recently left their home. A joint investigation is being conducted by the UPDF and other security agencies to uncover further details surrounding the incident.
| Details of the Incident | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Private Bonny Ameny, 45 |
| Unit | 01 Commando Battalion, SFC |
| Date of Incident | October 20, 2024 |
| Location | Ngora East village, Paimol sub-county, Agago |
| Deceased Victims | Sunday Apiyo (21), Santino Akidi (47), Florence Ajalo (16) |
| Injured Victims | Charles Kidega Kumakech (47), Janet Apiyo (20) |
The victims of the shooting were identified by the UPDF as Sunday Apiyo, aged 21, Santino Akidi, aged 47, and Florence Ajalo, aged 16. The injured victims, Charles Kidega Kumakech, 47, and Janet Apiyo, 20, are receiving medical treatment at Dr. Amberossoli Memorial Hospital in Kalongo. The bodies of the deceased were also taken to the same hospital for post-mortem examination.
In a previous case in December 2023, another SFC soldier, Private Julius Ecee, was involved in a fatal shooting during a robbery in Oyam District. Ecee was convicted by a UPDF court martial and received a life sentence for murder, along with an additional 40 year sentence for aggravated robbery.
