UPDF soldier stoned to death, two arrested

Ibanda: Police in Ibanda District have arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The victim, Sergeant Michael Anguru, a native of Katakwi District and attached to Bihanga Army Barracks in Kanyarugiri Town Council, Ibanda North, was found dead on September 1. Authorities say he was stoned to death by unidentified attackers, and his body was dumped in a trench along Mpira Street in Ibanda Municipality.

“It is unfortunate that we lost the life of our gallant soldier,” said Ibanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Mbetegyerize during a press briefing.

According to the RDC, preliminary evidence indicates that the assailants followed Sgt. Anguru after he left a bar, where he had reportedly been involved in a heated argument. “Circumstantial evidence shows the attackers followed him from a bar and stoned him to death,” Mbetegyerize added.

Sniffer dogs deployed to the crime scene reportedly led investigators to two local suspects, a man who was last seen with the deceased and a woman, both residents of Ibanda. “The police have arrested two people… The dog guided our officers to the suspects’ homes,” Mbetegyerize said, adding that investigations are ongoing.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether Sgt. Anguru had official clearance to be in town at the time of the incident.

Investigators are also looking to question a close friend of the deceased, also a soldier, who was reportedly with him earlier that evening. “We want him to come and testify because the deceased used to associate with him whenever he visited Ibanda,” Mbetegyerize said. “We advise people to be vigilant with their lives, life has no spare parts.”

The UPDF condemned the brutal killing and pledged to work closely with the police to ensure justice is served. “This is not a good act against our own soldiers, and we shall not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Tabaro Kiconco, spokesperson for the UPDF’s Second Infantry Division.

Kiconco urged the public to remain calm but cooperate with security agencies. “We appeal to the people of Ibanda and the general public to share any information that may help in tracking down Sgt. Anguru’s killers,” he said.

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