Suspect in Agago fatal shooting incident arrested

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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have confirmed the arrest of a soldier from the elite Special Forces Command (SFC) named in a deadly shooting spree in Agago district. 

Three civilians were shot dead and two others seriously injured in the October 20, 2024 incident in Ngora East village, Paimol sub-county, Agago north county.

Private Bonny Ameny, a 45-year-old soldier of the 01 commando battalion within the SFC, surrendered on Wednesday, October 30, in Paimol, Agago district.

He was immediately whisked to a nearby military base in Omia Pacha.

The New Vision has learned that the UPDF's 5th division court martial is drawing formal charges, with proceedings expected to take place soon in Paimol.

According to UPDF spokesperson, Capt. Edrin Mawanda, the alleged shooting rampage stemmed from personal disputes. Ameny reportedly experienced escalating tensions with his wife, Betty Angom, who had recently abandoned the marital home. 

A joint investigation by the UPDF and other security agencies is underway to fully understand the circumstances leading to the tragic event.

Victims identified

The UPDF earlier identified the deceased as Sunday Apiyo, 21, Santino Akidi, 47, and Florence Ajalo, 16—all residents of Ngora East village, Paimol sub-county. Their bodies were taken to Dr. Amberossoli Memorial Hospital in Kalongo for postmortem. The two injured victims, Charles Kidega Kumakech, 47, and Janet Apiyo, 20, are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital.

Prior incident highlights discipline challenges

This case is not the first of its kind in Northern Uganda. In December 2023, another SFC soldier, Pte Julius Ecee, shot and killed one person during a robbery in Loro Town Council, Oyam District. Ecee was later convicted by the UPDF court martial and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and an additional 40 years for aggravated robbery.