UPDF Soldier Shoots Three Dead in Gulu

A Uganda People’s Defense Force-UPDF soldier is on the run after shooting three people dead in Gulu. The incident happened on Monday evening in Vanguard sub ward, Pece Division in Gulu Municipality.

The dead have been identified as Beatrice Ajok, 52, and her two sons; Owen Norman 20 and Dan Joachim Binyang, 18, a Senior Six student of St. Pope John Paul II SS. An eight-year-old child, Peace Apwoyorwot also sustained injuries and is admitted at St. Mary's Hospital Lacor.

Pece Division Chairman Kelly Komakech has identified the suspect as Corporal Geoffrey Okello, a resident of the same area.

According to eyewitnesses, Okello had misunderstandings with the family of Ajok whom he accused of grazing goats on his land.

It is alleged that the dispute between Okello and Ajok had been mediated by the area LCI Chairperson and it was resolved. However, the outcome of the mediation which is yet to be established angered Okello.

UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemeire in a statement issued last night said that the suspect is being hunted by police backed by soldiers.

In 2018 Lance Corporal Geoffrey Odaga shot dead three people at a local bar in Kabedo-Opong trading centre in Bardege Division. He was tracked down, arrested and later court-martialed to 40 years in prison.

Similarly, in 2015, Lance Corporal Kennedy Okumu, 40, attached to the 29th Battalion was sentenced by UPDF 4th Division Court Martial to 45 years in prison for shooting dead a barmaid over 1,000 Shillings.