UPDF Soldier Kills Civilian, Injures Another in Kole District After Alleged Disarmament Attempt

By Okidi Patrick

KOLE DISTRICT, UGANDA – November 3, 2025 – A Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) officer is under investigation after fatally shooting a civilian and injuring another in Akalo Town Council, Kole District, on the evening of November 2, 2025. According to the North Kyoga police spokesperson,SP jimmy Patrick Okema , the incident, which occurred around 8:30 PM, is being jointly investigated by the Territorial Police in North Kyoga Region and the UPDF.

According to SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Regional Police Spokesperson for North Kyoga, the police have opened a case of murder by shooting, registered under CRB 462/2025 at both Akalo Town Council Police Station and Kole Central Police Station.

Preliminary findings indicate that No. 290075 Pte. Koboi Samson, a 27-year-old UPDF officer attached to the 103 Battalion, Lira Barracks, was on official duty along the Lira–Kwania Highway. He was allegedly confronted by the deceased, identified as Olwit Santo, a 27-year-old peasant farmer from Akek Cell, Western Ward ‘B’, Akalo Town Council, and an unidentified accomplice. The duo reportedly made a forceful attempt to disarm the soldier of his rifle.

“In the process, a serious struggle ensued,” stated SP Okema. “During which the officer, fearing for his life and the loss of his weapon, acted in self-defense, leading to the fatal shooting of the deceased.”

Tragically, a stray bullet also struck 19-year-old Elem Allan, a peasant farmer from Dibadi Village, Akalo Parish, Akalo Subcounty. Allan sustained an injury to his right ribs and was immediately rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Upon receiving the report, police swiftly responded to the scene, led by the DPC Kole, alongside homicide and scene of crime officers. The area was cordoned off, thoroughly documented, and the body of Olwit Santo was transported to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. Statements from eyewitnesses and the injured victim have been recorded to assist the ongoing investigations.

Pte. Koboi Samson has since been arrested and handed over to the UPDF authorities at Lira Military Barracks for further management and internal disciplinary review.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The North Kyoga Region Police has extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and wished Elem Allan a swift recovery.