UPDF soldier shoots civilian dead in Masindi
He also urged the UPDF and police to conduct community policing and awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.
Masindi: A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) solider is in police custody in Masindi District after allegedly shooting and killing a civilian in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The suspect, Corporal Aggrey Byamugisha, is accused of fatally shooting a 32-year-old hawker identified only as Mugisha, 32. The tragic incident occurred at around 2:00 AM in Kijura North Cell, Central Division of Masindi Municipality.
According to SP Pensive Tukasiima, the Masindi District Police Commander (DPC), police were alerted by a boda boda rider shortly after the shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, they found Mugisha’s lifeless body, but the suspect had already fled.
“Through intelligence efforts, we were able to identify and arrest the suspect. He was wearing a white jacket and green gumboots at the time of the shooting, which led us to suspect he was part of the security forces,” SP Tukasiima said.
The soldier was later apprehended at around 10:00 AM the same day in a bar located in Kijura Central Cell, this time wearing a UPDF sweater and the same green gumboots. Police also recovered the firearm allegedly used in the shooting.
Both the suspect and the weapon are now in police custody, while Mugisha’s body has been taken to Masindi Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination and identification by relatives.
SP Tukasiima assured the public that justice will be served and that the suspect will be held accountable. The case has been registered at Masindi Central Police Station under reference CRB 373/2025.
Julius Allan Hakiza, spokesperson for the Albertine Regional Police, confirmed the ongoing investigation.
“It’s unfortunate that we have lost a life. We urge our community to resolve grievances amicably rather than resort to violence, we have laws in place to address disputes,” said Isaac Bongomin, LC3 Chairperson for Central Division.
James Munaku, LC1 Chairperson of Kijura Central, noted that the motive behind the shooting is still unclear. “Mugisha has been known for hawking plastics in this area, but the reason for the confrontation remains unknown,” he said.
Munaku called for stricter enforcement to prevent security personnel from carrying firearms during off-duty hours, particularly at night. He also urged the UPDF and police to conduct community policing and awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.
Attempts to reach Sunday Geoffrey, Public Relations Officer for the UPDF Artillery Division, were unsuccessful as his known phone number was unavailable at press time.
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