The army and Homicide Detective Police in Amuru District are investigating the tragic shooting of Acting Amuru District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Samuel Ochora.
The incident occurred around 10:20 PM at Kolo Police Post in Kololo Parish, Lakang Sub-County. Dr. Ochora, part of a security team enforcing the eviction of defiant cattle keepers, was reportedly shot by a UPDF soldier during an operation named “Operation Harmony.”
The soldier, identified as L/Cpl Francis Ekiu, accidentally discharged his weapon, injuring himself before fatally hitting Dr. Ochora.
Lt. Col Deo Akiiki, the Deputy Defence Spokesperson, stated that Ekiu is receiving medical treatment, and the deceased’s body is at the Fourth Infantry Division Hospital awaiting a postmortem.
The Amuru Resident District Commissioner, Stephen Odong Latek, disclosed that Dr. Ochora was in the company of the Amuru District Police Commander and the Deputy District Internal Security officer during the incident. Nine armed UPDF soldiers accompanied them to assist in evicting defiant cattle keepers.
The soldier accidentally fired a bullet, first hitting his own leg and then penetrating the cabin, striking Dr. Ochora in the back.
The veterinary officer was seated directly behind the co-driver’s seat. The team was en route to a holding ground in Kidimon village, where approximately 300 cattle were impounded and needed security until transported out of the district.
The UPDF Special Investigation Branch and the Police Criminal Investigation Directorate are conducting an inquiry.
Since the commencement of “Operation Harmony” in November, about 2,500 cattle have been removed from Amuru district due to the eviction of defiant cattle keepers. Dr. Ochora, set to graduate in February with a Master’s Degree, tragically lost his life during this enforcement operation
Comments are closed.