Three civilians from Ngora East Village in Paimol Sub-County of Agago District who were shot dead by a Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldier on October 20, 2024 were buried on Wednesday.
Deceased – Sunday Apio, 21; Santino Akidi, 47; and Florence Ajalo (15) – all were buried in their hometown.
Initial reports indicate that Pte Bonny Ameny, 45, a resident of Ocini Tetulu in Kamdini Sub-County of Oyam District, allegedly shot dead civilians following a domestic dispute.
According to reports, Ameny, deployed at Paker Dungu unit in Parabongo sub-county, was searching for his wife, Mrs. Betty Angom, who had abandoned him.
Following the chaos, Pte Ameny went on a shooting spree, leaving three people dead and two others injured.
During the farewell ceremony for the victims, Brigadier General Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, conveyed condolences from the Chief of Defense Forces and Senior Advisor to the President on Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. He condemned the tragic incident as an unprofessional act.
“As the UPDF, we collectively mourn and strongly condemn the actions of this errant soldier. This evil act does not reflect the true character and conduct of the UPDF,” the letter read.
Brigadier General Katungi assured the families that Pte Ameny would face justice in a trial conducted by the Paimol District Military Court.
“The UPDF draws its strength from the people and cannot intentionally harm them. We want justice to be served,” he added.
He also donated Shs5 million to each family of the deceased to cover burial expenses and Shs3 million to the injured to help them undergo treatment at Dr Ambrossoli Memorial Hospital, Kalongo, Agago District.
Mrs Beatrice Akello, Minister of State for Economic Monitoring and MP for Agago, urged parents to advise their daughters to deal with domestic problems, regardless of their age and marital status.
Paimol Sub-County LC3 Chairman, Mr. Richard Ngomkura, expressed gratitude to the UPDF for its support during this difficult time. He encouraged the community to condemn the incident as an individual act and to show empathy and generosity.
The burial ceremony was attended by the Divisional Deputy Commander Col. David Opeero, James Kidega of the RDC Agago District and various cultural and local leaders.