The 3 Infantry Division of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting dead of cows by one of the soldiers that was deployed to guard the cows which had been recovered from cattle rustlers.
The incident happened on 17 September 2023 at around 1030Hrs, as Private Baguma Yofessi who was among the security detail to graze the impounded cows went on a shooting spree using his gun at Moruita protected Kraal, in Nakapiripirit District.
As a result of his indiscriminate shooting, 18 cows died onspot while 25 got injured as the same security detail acted swiftly and arrested the suspect.
The lost and injured cows were part of 291 livestock that were impounded on 9 September 23, from Naborokocha and Pian Upe Game Reserve (raiding corridor) in response to the killing of UPDF Officer and soldiers whereby the same cows were earmarked to compensate the victims of raids.
It should be noted that as operation pressure mounted against the criminal killers of soldiers, three (3) guns were recovered , seven (7) suspects have been arrested pending prosecution procedures while 38 exhibit cows were recovered.
Whereas preliminary investigation indicates that the soldier suspect (Private Baguma Yofesi) who is now under custody at 407 Brigade Headquarters could have developed severe mental disturbance, he will be subjected to medical check up to ascertain the root cause, a statement by from the UPDF said.
“The UPDF leadership in the region wishes to inform the general public, the concerned authorities and persons that the act was unintentional and remains committed to investigate the matter to its totality,” the statement added.
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