Kaabong, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, Private David Wabule, tragically took his own life after a failed attempt to kill his partner, Lucky Auma, and her alleged lover.
According to initial reports, Wabule, who was serving with the 45th Infantry Battalion, traveled from the Longoromit Battalion headquarters to Kaabong town on Sunday, September 29, accompanied by his colleague, Private Gerald Ngabirano Akampulira.
Later that day, Wabule discovered Akampulira with Auma at Korimong Guesthouse, where she worked as an attendant. The encounter sparked a heated argument between the two soldiers.
During the confrontation, Wabule reportedly seized Akampulira’s mobile phone before returning to the military detachment. He later returned to the guesthouse armed with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 120 rounds of ammunition and began shooting indiscriminately at several rooms, intending to hit Auma and Akampulira. However, he missed both and eventually turned the weapon on himself.
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Maj. Isaac Oware, spokesperson for the UPDF 3rd Division, confirmed that investigators had visited the scene and recovered the rifle (serial number UPDF 566007728), 86 live rounds, and 34 spent cartridges, which are being analyzed as part of the investigation.
“We regret such an incident of misconduct as the joint investigation takes the right direction,” Oware stated.
Kaabong District Police Commander Yudaya Mugoya also confirmed that Auma and two other UPDF soldiers are currently in custody to assist with the investigation.