Police in Kisoro District are investigating circumstances under which a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier allegedly took his own life in a suspected suicide by shooting.
The deceased has been identified as Pte. Kwesiga Samuel, 32, service number RA 267544, who was attached to Nyanamo Detach under the 35th Battalion in Kisoro District.
According to preliminary reports, the tragic incident occurred on Monday morning, August 18, 2025, at around 7:00 am in Kigyeyo Village, Nyanamo Town Council.
The day before, at around 6:00 pm, Pte. Kwesiga reportedly went to Nyanamo Trading Centre to watch the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal.
He later returned to the barracks at about 9:00 pm and told his colleagues he was tired and wanted to rest. He then entered his unipot and locked himself inside.
The following morning, at around 7:00 am, residents and colleagues heard a gunshot from inside his house. When they rushed to check, there was no response. Peeping through a window, they found him lying in a pool of blood. The door was forced open, and he was confirmed dead.
Police and UPDF officers swiftly responded to the scene. According to Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, the crime scene was processed and documented. A spent cartridge, his rifle, and four magazines were recovered as exhibits.
Maate said that the body was later taken to Kisoro Hospital Mortuary for postmortem before being handed over to the UPDF command structure for burial arrangements.
Authorities have since opened inquiries to establish the motive behind the suspected suicide.
CUE IN MAATE….ON SHOOTING……RR/ENG//
