UPDF detach commander shot dead by suspected South Sudan cattle rustlers
Sergeant Jonas Mukundane, aged 42, reportedly died during an exchange of fire in Kupia village, Kupia parish, Kerwa subcounty, Yumbe district.
The UPDF soldiers reportedly fell into an ambush laid by the suspected cattle rustlers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left Sergeant Mukundane Jonas and one cattle raider from South Sudan dead.
YUMBE - Suspected cattle rustlers from South Sudan have shot dead a Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) commander in charge of Kupia Army Detachment in Kerwa subcounty, Yumbe district.
Sergeant Jonas Mukundane, aged 42, reportedly died during an exchange of fire in Kupia village, Kupia parish, Kerwa subcounty, Yumbe district.
North West Nile regional police spokesperson Collins Asea, who confirmed the incident, said that on April 19, 2026, at about 5:00 pm, a woman ran to UPDF officers at Kupia Army Detachment reporting that she had seen six men, five of them armed with rifles, moving towards Kilaji village.
She became suspicious and reported the matter to the UPDF due to recent cattle raiding incidents.
In response, the officer in charge of Kupia Army Detachment mobilised personnel to follow up the matter.
The UPDF soldiers reportedly fell into an ambush laid by the suspected cattle rustlers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left Sergeant Mukundane Jonas and one cattle raider from South Sudan dead.
Police visited and documented the scene. A case of murder by shooting was opened, referenced as KERWA CRB: 008/2026, while the body of Sgt Mukundane was recovered and transported to Gulu Army Division for further management.
The body of the cattle raider was taken to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital for post-mortem examination.
An SMG rifle (Serial Number: FY2416) with 26 rounds of ammunition was recovered at the scene, exhibited and secured in the Yumbe CPS armoury.
Efforts to apprehend other suspected cattle rustlers are ongoing.