A team of joint security forces in Kaabong District – Northeastern Uganda are investigating the circumstances under which a UPDF officer allegedly shot and killed himself after scuffle with a colleague at Korimong Guest House.Uganda Airlines
Authorities identified the victim as Pte David Wabule from the 45 Infantry Battalion based in the restive mineral-rich Karamoja sub-region who, according to preliminary reports, had travelled to Kaabong Town from Longoromit Battalion Headquarters with his colleague, Pte Ngabirano Gerald Akampulira.
When Wabule arrived for leisure, he was shocked to discover that his lover identified as Lucky Auma, a guest house attendant had a stealth affair with Akampulira, leading to a quarrel between them.
During the altercation, Wabule forcibly took Akampulira’s mobile phone before returning to the detachment, where he picked up an AK-47 rifle loaded with several rounds of ammunition. He then returned to the guest house and began firing indiscriminately across various rooms.
According to Maj Isaac Oware, spokesperson for the 3rd Division, Pte Wabule targeted Auma and two other colleagues, identified as Anthony Aurien and Walter Chemutai, who had taken refuge in a separate room.
He missed his intended targets before turning the weapon on himself, fatally shooting himself at the scene.
Maj Okware said investigators visited the crime scene, where they recovered the rifle (UPDF 566007728) for ballistic examination. “We regret such an incident of misconduct as the joint investigation takes the right direction,” he stated.
Kaabong District Police Commander Yudaya Mugoya said Auma and two other UPDF soldiers are in custody to assist with the investigation.
Police said statements from guest house staff and other witnesses are being gathered as part of the inquiry while the victim’s body was transported to Kaabong Hospital for a postmortem.
