KAMPALA – The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have arrested a soldier who shot at four people instantly killing three of them last night at Tegwana village, Vanguard parish in Pece division in Gulu Municipality.
Corporal Geoffrey Okello, attached to Fourth Division barracks in Gulu district has been arrested by a team of soldiers and police officers following the Monday night incident.
Maj Caesar Olweny, the 4th Infantry Division in Gulu spokesperson confirmed that the suspect was arrested.
“We arrested suspect Corporal Okello Geoffrey from our Barracks at 4th Division because the community is all pointing hands at him. He is with us and is recording statement” Major Olweny said.
It is suspected that Corporal Okello killed Beatrice Ajok, 52, and her two sons; Owen Norman, 20, a Senior Six student of St. Pope John Paul II SS and Dan Joachim Binyang, 18 in the Monday shooting.
One survivor of the shooting, Apwoyo-Rwot Peace, an eight-year-old girl got serious injuries on the left thigh and is being treated at St Mary’s Hospital Lacor.
Major Olweny said Investigation is ongoing to establish the motive of the shooting.
In 2018, a UPDF soldier attached to the same division shot dead three and injured one from a Pub in Kabedopong in Bar Dege division in Gulu Municipality.
UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire said the incident which led to the deaths of civilians is very regrettable.
“Our condolences and sympathies go to the family of the victims as we condemn the action of the soldier,” said Karemire adding that investigations have commenced by a team of UPDF and Uganda Police Force into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The bodies of the three victims have since been taken to Gulu Referral Hospital for post mortem.
