UPDF Soldier Allegedly Shoots Himself Hours After Watching Manchester United–Arsenal Match

Kisoro: The territorial police in Kisoro are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier in a suspected suicide by shooting.

The deceased has been identified as RA. 267544 Pte. Samuel Kwesiga, 32, attached to Nyanamo detach under the 35th Battalion in Kisoro District. The incident occurred on August 18, at around 7:00am in Kigyeyo village, Nyanamo Town Council.

Investigations indicate that on Sunday, August 17, at about 6:00pm, Kwesiga went to watch the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Nyanamo Trading Centre. At around 9:00pm, he returned to the detach, informed colleagues that he was tired, and went to rest in his unipot after locking himself inside.

On August 18, morning, at about 7:00am, residents heard a gunshot from his house and suspected an accidental discharge. When there was no response to calls, they checked through the window and saw him lying in a pool of blood. The door was forced open and he was confirmed dead.

Police, working with UPDF officers, visited and documented the crime scene. A spent cartridge and a rifle with four magazines were recovered as exhibits. Statements from witnesses were recorded, and the body was taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for postmortem before being handed over to the UPDF command for burial arrangements.

Inquiries are ongoing to establish the motive behind the suspected suicide.