Nakaseke District, March 4, 2025 — A somber atmosphere envelops Kaweweta Training School following a harrowing incident of domestic violence that claimed the life of a young woman and left a soldier critically injured. The Uganda Police Force in the Savannah region has confirmed the incident as a case of murder and attempted suicide, casting a dark shadow over the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) training facility.
The tragedy unfolded on the evening of March 3, 2025, when Corporal Denis Sserunkuma, a soldier attached to the training wing at Kaweweta, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Keila Kebirungi Adyeri, during a heated domestic dispute. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, Sserunkuma emerged from his grass-thatched quarters armed with an SMG rifle and fired multiple shots at Kebirungi, ending her life instantly.
In a chilling turn of events, Sserunkuma then turned the weapon on himself, firing a bullet through his chin. Miraculously, he survived the self-inflicted gunshot and was rushed to Kaweweta Military Health Centre in critical condition. His fate remains uncertain as medical teams battle to save his life. Meanwhile, Kebirungi’s body has been transferred to Bombo Military Hospital for a postmortem examination as authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the fatal altercation.
A Grim Pattern of Domestic Violence
The incident has reignited concerns over domestic violence within Uganda’s armed forces, a recurring issue often linked to infidelity, strained relationships, and mental health challenges among soldiers. The case, registered at Kinyogoga Police Station, underscores a troubling trend that continues to plague the nation.
The recently released 2024 crime report highlights the persistent scourge of violence in Uganda. While cases of murder by shooting decreased slightly from 300 in 2023 to 188 in 2024, domestic violence remains a significant concern. The report documented 183 murder cases stemming from domestic disputes in 2024, a slight drop from 242 the previous year but still alarmingly high.
A Call for Action
The tragedy at Kaweweta has left Kebirungi’s family and the broader community in mourning, raising urgent questions about the measures needed to address domestic violence within military institutions. As an organization built on discipline and order, the UPDF faces mounting pressure to implement stronger safeguards and support systems to prevent such incidents in the future.
Mental health support, conflict resolution mechanisms, and stricter enforcement of firearm regulations are among the proposed solutions to curb the cycle of violence. However, as the nation grapples with this latest tragedy, the need for immediate and decisive action has never been more apparent.
Investigations Underway
Authorities are currently investigating the root cause of the dispute between Sserunkuma and Kebirungi, as well as the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. Updates on the investigation and Sserunkuma’s condition are expected in the coming days.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable individuals from such tragedies.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
