Student shot dead by UPDF soldiers on patrol
KATAKWI- A 22-year-old student has been shot dead by UPDF soldiers in an incident that has been described by the acting Katakwi District police Commander, Mr Peter Oduko, as mistaken identity.
George William Ojikan who was a student of Ngariam Seed Secondary School, met his fate on Sunday night as he returned to his rented room at Ngariam Trading Centre.
Mr Oduko said the student was shot after being mistaken for a suspected Karimojong cattle rustler.
“In the process of running away from the soldiers, the students were shot at. Unfortunately, a bullet hit the deceased on the head. Another student survived unhurt,” Mr Oduke said.
Mr John Francis Otude, the Ngariam Sub County chairman said the deceased’s body was found near charcoal which he had picked from the nearby bush,” Mr Otude said.
Mr Otude said since the school has no hostel, students rent in the trading centre.
Mr Martin Ariko, the Director of Studies at Ngariam Seed Secondary School said the deceased who was in Senior Three was a resident of Apeleun village, Ngariam Sub-county.
Police say they would be joined by the army to investigate the case.
He advised civilians not to run away from security officers whenever they are stopped to identify themselves.
