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Policeman shoots UPDF soldier dead in Mbarara
Police and scene of crime officers examine the body of the UPDF officer who was shot by a police constable in Mbarara District on May 19, 2023. PHOTO/FELIX AINEBYOONA
What you need to know:
Police Constable Charles Opio attached to Field Force Unit was detained after he allegedly shot and killed Corporal Yeremiah Paper attached to Ruhengyere Engineering Brigade in Kiruhura District at around 6pm following a misunderstanding
Police in Mbarara District in western Uganda are investigating a murder case after a police officer shot and killed a Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) soldier near Bank of Uganda branch.
Police Constable Charles Opio attached to Field Force Unit was detained after he allegedly shot and killed Corporal Yeremiah Paper attached to Ruhengyere Engineering Brigade in Kiruhura District at around 6pm following a misunderstanding on Friday.
Police said Opio was in their custody at CPS Mbarara while the soldier's body was taken to the Regional Referral Hospital Mbarara for postmortem.
"Preliminary findings indicate that the duo had a misunderstanding that led to the Shooting. We have arrested the suspect and he is being held at CPS Mbarara while the gun suspected to have been used in the murder has been recovered and exhibited," Deputy Spokesperson of Uganda Police Force, Ms Polly Namaye said.
According to an eyewitness, Mr Victor Ampaire, the shooting happened as the army officer was having a light moment with a friend near a bar.
"The soldier was enjoying a selfie moment with a woman at a bar in the police barracks opposite Bank of Uganda branch. The police constable asked him not to take photos in the barracks but the soldier abused him. A heated argument ensued before he (Opio) opened fire," Mr Ampaire said.
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The shooting comes amid public outcry and concern over gun violence that has rocked the country and caused fear.
At least four private security guards have been shot and killed across the country barely a week after state minister for Labour, Col (rtd) Charles Engola was on May 2, 2023 shot dead by his bodyguard Pte Wilson Sabiiti at his home in Kyanja zone, Kampala.
