Kole District, Uganda — Police in North Kyoga Region, in coordination with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), are investigating a shooting incident that left one person dead and another injured in Akalo Town Council, Kole District, on the evening of November 2, 2025.
The deceased has been identified as Olwit Santo, aged 27, a peasant farmer from Akek Cell, Western Ward ‘B’ in Akalo Town Council. The injured victim, Elem Allan, aged 19, from Dibadi Village, Akalo Parish, sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his ribs and was rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
According to preliminary police findings, the incident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. when Pte. Koboi Samson, a 27-year-old UPDF officer attached to the 103 Battalion in Lira Barracks, was on official duty along the Lira–Kwania Highway. It is alleged that Olwit, together with an unidentified accomplice, attempted to disarm the soldier of his rifle.
“A serious struggle ensued, during which the officer, fearing for his life and the loss of his weapon, acted in self-defense, leading to the fatal shooting,” the police said in a statement.
Police added that a stray bullet hit the 19-year-old bystander during the scuffle.
Upon receiving the report, officers from Kole Central Police Station and Akalo Town Council Police Post swiftly responded to the scene, cordoned off the area, and conducted documentation led by the District Police Commander (DPC), homicide detectives, and scene-of-crime officers.
The deceased’s body was taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem, while eyewitnesses and the injured victim recorded statements to support ongoing investigations.
Pte. Koboi Samson has since been arrested and handed over to UPDF authorities at Lira Military Barracks for further management and internal disciplinary review.
Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family and wish the injured a quick recovery,” said SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, Regional Police Spokesperson for North Kyoga.
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