Police reconstruct Kween shooting scene as three soldiers remain in custody
The deceased, identified as Praise Chepkwemoi, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet as soldiers attached to the Korite Army Detachment fired into the air to disperse the crowd.
Police and security officials in Kween District have reconstructed the scene where an 18-year-old woman was shot dead during an attempt by soldiers to disperse a mob.
KWEEN - Police and security officials in Kween District have reconstructed the scene where an 18-year-old woman was shot dead during an attempt by soldiers to disperse a mob that had gathered to attack a man suspected of practising witchcraft.
The incident occurred on the evening of October 4, 2026, at Korite village, Greek River Sub-county, after residents reportedly detained a man they accused of practising witchcraft and possessing suspected wildlife and human remains.
The deceased, identified as Praise Chepkwemoi, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet as soldiers attached to the Korite Army Detachment fired into the air to disperse the crowd.
According to Fredmark Chesang, the Sipi regional police spokesperson, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers had responded to a call from local leaders, who reported that residents had apprehended a man identified as Charles Namonye, also known as Walimbwa.
Police said the man was allegedly found in possession of suspected wildlife parts, including snake and chicken heads, a wild animal tail, and a suspected human organ.
Police said Baguma was armed with a rifle loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition, while Mungutie was carrying another rifle loaded with 116 rounds. Ongerep was reportedly unarmed.
“As the soldiers attempted to disperse the crowd, a bullet struck Chepkwemoi. She was rushed to Alex’s Clinic and later referred to Karita Hospital but died on the way,” Chesang said.
Police opened a murder-by-shooting case at Kween Central Police Station under reference number CRB 306/2026 and recovered the two rifles suspected to have been used during the incident.
The body was conveyed to Bukwo General Hospital mortuary for preservation and postmortem examination.
On October 5, Chesang said a team comprising the Resident District Commissioner, 407 Brigade commander, 53 Battalion commander, Police scene-of-crime personnel, and other security and local government officials revisited and reconstructed the scene.
The UPDF also pledged to meet the burial expenses.
Following the incident, security officials held community engagements and urged residents to remain calm, avoid mob action and allow police to investigate the matter through established legal procedures.
Police also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies and warned against taking the law into their own hands.
Chesang said the security situation in the area had returned to normal, with monitoring continuing as investigations proceed.
Police said inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and prepare the suspects for prosecution.