By Eusukoit Cuthbert Otim
NAKAPIRIPIRIT. The 3rd Infantry Division of Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) has condemned the misconduct of one soldier that resulted in the loss of some cows in Nakapiripirit district.
According to Maj. Moses Amuya, the acting UPDF 3rd division spokesperson, the incident happened on Sunday 17 September 2023 at around 1030Hrs, as Private Yofesi Baguma who was among the security detail tasked 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 on spot while 25 got injured. His colleagues acted swiftly and arrested the suspect soldier.
Maj. Amunya adds that the lost and injured cows are part of 291 livestock that were impounded on 9 September 2023, from Naborokocha and Pian Upe Game Reserve (raiding corridor) in response to the killing of a UPDF Officer and 02 soldiers in August 2023. Some cows were earmarked to compensate the victims of raids.
“It should be noted that as operation pressure mounted against the criminals who killed the gallant soldiers, three (3) guns were recovered, seven (7) suspects were arrested pending prosecution procedures while 38 exhibit cows were recovered,” he added.
Whereas preliminary investigation indicates that the soldier suspect (Private Yofesi Baguma), who is currently under custody at 407 Brigade Headquarters, could have developed severe mental disturbance, he will be subjected to thorough medical ceck up to ascertain the root cause.
The UPDF leadership in the region informed the general public, the concerned authorities and persons that the act was unintentional and remains committed to investigate the matter to its totality.
