UPDF soldier arrested over murder in Apac
By Editorial (editor@vol.co.ug)
Apac
Police in Apac District have arrested a Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) soldier in connection with the shooting to death of a local resident.
The soldier, identified as Jacob Amali from the 103 Battalion in Lacekocot Detach, Pader District, is accused of fatally shooting Haggai Okullu during an altercation at a bar.
The incident occurred on the 8th-Jan-2025 in Akwoyo A, Kidilani Parish, Chegere Sub County, Apac District.
Amali, who was spending leisure at Acanpe-Nino Bar, reportedly had a misunderstanding with Okullu over a woman named Auma Winnie.
This escalated into a fight, during which Amali allegedly shot Okullu dead before fleeing the scene.
Jonal Okot, the Assistant RDC of Apac, confirmed the incident to journalists at Apac Central Police Station.
He revealed that a joint team of UPDF soldiers and police officers raided Amali’s home and arrested him, while the body of the deceased was transported to Apac General Hospital for a postmortem.
Okot also said Amali was on leave at the time of the shooting and had previously handed over his ammunition to his army unit.
He expressed concern over how Amali managed to acquire the weapon used in the incident.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the dispute between Amali and Okullu was centered around the woman at the bar.
Moses Ocoma, the proprietor of Acanpe-Nino Bar, also said that Okullu had been seen enjoying the company of the woman, before he had a fight with Amali.
North Kyoga region police spokesperson, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, confirmed this report and stated that investigations have been launched into the matter.
Auma Winnie, the woman involved in the dispute, has equally been arrested to assist with the investigation.
Okema also revealed that Amali had been previously arrested and jailed at Kinene Prison in Pader District following a previous altercation with his boss.
This marks the second fatal shooting incident in Apac District within a span of a week.
On December 31, 2024, police from the Kungu Outpost shot and killed one person while dispersing a crowd of over 30 locals who were pelting stones at police houses during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
