“This suspicion later proved mistaken when community leaders confirmed that the two civilians were intoxicated, had lost their way, and were moving during curfew hours,” Maj. Gen. Katungi said.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) on Thursday night shot dead two civilians suspected to be cattle thieves. The incident is reported to have happened in Kitgum District on the night of 28 August 2025, at around 11:19pm.
Maj. Gen. Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5 Infantry Division said that the incident occurred at Kitleng Detach, Namukora sub-county, where two soldiers deployed to safeguard a community-protected kraal shot two individuals near the main entry point.
“The soldiers, who were on duty protecting livestock, suspected the victims to be cattle thieves attempting to drive away two cultivating bulls believed to have come from the Lapenyi farmland area. This suspicion later proved mistaken when community leaders confirmed that the two civilians were intoxicated, had lost their way, and were moving during curfew hours,” Maj. Gen. Katungi said.
The deceased have been identified as; Obutu Joseph, 50, resident of Mangeyi Village, Panyum Melong Parish, Omia Nyima Sub-County, Kitgum District and Opira Richard, 42, resident of Amoyo Kol Village, Pella Parish, Omia Nyima Sub-County, Kitgum District.
Katungi confirmed to be in close contact with the families of the deceased to support in the burial arrangements and conveyed his condolences, in conformity with the UPDF ideology.
“While the soldiers acted on a perceived threat, the UPDF extends its sympathy to the families of the bereaved and reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Ugandans,” he said.
The UPDF appeals to the community to support security efforts by adhering to local bylaws and avoiding situations that may put them at risk.
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