UPDF officer kills two colleagues in Barracks attack

A UPDF Armoured Brigade soldier in Masaka opened fire killing two fellow soldiers instantly.

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Thursday morning at Kasijagirwa Barracks in Masaka where Lance Corporal Joseph Ariona shot dead Corporal Beigana and Lance Corporal Joseph Kabugo.

After the attack, Ariona escaped with a Sub Machine Gun (SMG) and 22 rounds of ammunition. 

The acting brigade spokesman, Capt Benon Mutatina confirmed the incident saying that UPDF is hunting for the suspect.

The deceased officers were shot in the head and chest while on duty guarding the barracks stores. Their bodies are still lying in Masaka Regional Referral hospital.

Masaka RDC Lt. Joe Walusimbi regretted the incident saying that thorough investigations will be done to find out the root cause of the shootout.

He dismissed fears that the attack was connected to rebel missions on the barracks.

However other sources said the suspect attempted to steal guns from the armoury but the move was foiled.