Kasese Man Shot Dead by UPDF Soldiers Near Checkpoint

A 45-year-old resident of Kasese town has lost his life after being shot by Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers near the Kilembe Mines checkpoint in western Uganda. The victim, identified as Mugisa Mbasa from Katiri Trading Centre, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning while receiving treatment at Rukoki Hospital.

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident began when Mbasa approached the security checkpoint carrying a sack and a panga. Security personnel requested to search his belongings, but he reportedly raised the panga, advanced toward the officers, and then fled in the direction of Kasese town.

Two UPDF personnel, L/Cpl Richard Okwele and Pte Sidedi Aharimpisa, pursued Mbasa as he ducked into roadside bushes near Ribona Guest House. According to security accounts, the officers fired two warning shots before Mbasa allegedly charged at one of them with the raised weapon, prompting them to shoot him in the right thigh.

The soldiers subsequently rushed the injured man to Kasese Municipality Health Centre III, from where he was later transferred to Rukoki Hospital for further medical attention. Unfortunately, he did not survive the wound.

Rwenzori East Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed the tragic event, stating that Mbasa’s body was transferred to the Kasese Municipal Mortuary to undergo a postmortem examination. Authorities noted that investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain active, though officials have not yet revealed the contents of the sack Mbasa was carrying.

Local residents shared accounts of the chaos, noting that security forces frequently inspect sacks passing through the checkpoint to prevent the theft of materials and property linked to the defunct Kilembe Mines Limited. Some neighbors also suggested that the deceased may have been dealing with mental health challenges, although police have not officially verified those claims.

Read more details in the original report on The Observer.