Soldier, civilian feud over woman turns fatal in Apac

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A Ugandan soldier is being held at Apac Central Police Station over allegations of fatally shooting a civilian during a dispute over a woman.

RA/255575 Private Jacob Amali, 26, attached to the 101 Battalion at Lacekocot Detach in Pader district, is accused of killing Haggai Okullo, 25, a resident of Atek village, Adem Parish, Chegere sub-county, Apac district.

North Kyoga region Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said on January 8, 2025, that the incident had occurred a day earlier.

Private Amali reportedly left his workplace and returned to his home in Kwoyo 'A' village. Later, he and his friends went to the Acan pe Nino bar in Kidilani trading centre, Kidilani Parish, for drinks.

As the night wore on, a disagreement arose between Amali and Okullo over a woman identified as Winnie, leading to a physical altercation.

Following the fight, Amali left the scene but allegedly returned around 4:00am on January 8, armed with a gun, which he used to shoot Okullo, killing him instantly.

Police were notified, and a case of murder by shooting was registered at Apac CPS. A team of Police officers, including the district CID, scene of crime officers (SOCO), and a canine unit, visited the crime scene and recorded statements from witnesses.

The suspect was later arrested and detained at Apac CPS. However, the firearm allegedly used in the incident was not immediately recovered, as Amali refused to disclose its location.

In connection with the case, one of Amali’s friends, identified as Olila, and the woman at the centre of the dispute, Winnie Auma, have also been arrested to aid investigations.

The body of the deceased was transported to Apac Main Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

This marks the second murder by shooting in Apac district within a week. On New Year's Day, a Police officer in charge of Kungu Police post, Constable Richard Pius Ikokole shot one person dead and injured two others. The officer remains at large.

It has also been revealed that Amali had been released from Kinene Prison in Pader in September 2024 after serving time for assaulting his commander.

Local Leaders React

Chegere sub-county LC3 chairperson Charles Dicken Okello condemned the killing.

Okello urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to follow legal procedures when disputes arise. He proposed drastic measures, including banning discos, and plans to seek support from his executive committee to endorse the initiative.

He also appealed to clan leaders to assist the government in instilling discipline among the youth, expressing concern that traditional authorities appeared to have neglected their responsibilities.

Arwot Oleko village LC1 chairperson Bony James Omara said the victim had been a bodaboda rider before becoming a watchman at a bar in Kidilani.

Omara explained that the dispute between Amali and Okullo escalated into a fight, during which Amali was injured. The soldier reportedly left, vowing revenge, only to return with a gun and shoot Okullo.

Although Police were initially unable to locate the firearm, soldiers from the 5th Division Headquarters in Acholpii later intervened, pressuring Amali’s brother to surrender the weapon on Wednesday evening.

Omara called on young people to practise morality, maintain faithfulness to a single partner, and reduce alcohol consumption. He encouraged them to lead godly lives, highlighting the need for community-wide behavioural reform.