security 20 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UPDF Sergeant and Suspected South Sudanese Cattle Raider Die in Yumbe Gunfight
A UPDF sergeant leading an operation against suspected cattle raiders was killed alongside one of the suspects during a crossfire in Yumbe District's Kerwa Sub-county. The incident occurred after locals tipped off soldiers about armed men in the area. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/updf-sergeant-suspected-cattle-raider-killed-during-crossfire-in-yumbe-5430104
A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) sergeant and a suspected cattle raider from South Sudan lost their lives in a fierce exchange of gunfire on Sunday in Kupia Village, Kerwa Sub-county, Yumbe District.
Sergeant Mukundane Jonas, 42, who was in charge of Kupia Army Detachment, died during the clash. The identity of the second deceased remains unknown.
The confrontation unfolded around 5 pm when UPDF personnel received a tip from a local woman. She spotted six men, five armed with rifles, heading toward Kilaji Village and alerted the detachment amid rising concerns over cattle raids.
North Western Regional Police Spokesperson Collins Asea stated that the sergeant mobilized a team to pursue the suspects. They were ambushed, sparking a shootout that claimed both lives.
Police have launched a murder by shooting investigation under case KERWA CRB: 008/2026. The crime scene was processed by officers including ASP Hafasha Benon, with evidence collected.
Sergeant Mukundane’s body was moved to Gulu Army Division, while the raider’s remains went to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital morgue. Authorities recovered an SMG rifle (serial FY2416) loaded with 26 rounds from the site.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)