Kole, Uganda | On the night of Saturday, November 2, 2025, a deadly incident occurred in Akalo Town Council, Kole District, where a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier shot a civilian dead and injured another. Authorities from North Kyoga Police and the UPDF have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the event happened around 8:30 p.m. along the Lira–Kwania Highway. The soldier involved, Private Koboi Samson, aged 27, attached to 103 Battalion at Lira Barracks, reportedly discharged his firearm during a confrontation.
Preliminary police reports indicate that the deceased, Olwit Santo, aged 27, a farmer from Akek Cell, Western Ward ‘B’ in Akalo Town Council, along with an unidentified companion, allegedly tried to forcibly take the soldier’s rifle. A struggle ensued, during which the soldier, fearing for his life and the loss of his weapon, fired, killing Olwit on the spot.
A stray bullet also struck Elem Allan, 19, from Dibadi Village, Akalo Parish, who sustained injuries to his right ribs. He was immediately taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for medical treatment.
Police from Kole Central Police Station and Akalo Town Council quickly secured the scene, and forensic teams documented the evidence. The body of the deceased was transported to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Private Koboi Samson has been arrested and handed over to UPDF authorities at Lira Military Barracks for internal review and disciplinary procedures while investigations continue. Police are working to establish all details of the incident.
Authorities expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured victim.