UPDF soldier killed over theft
What you need to know:
- The Oyam District police commander, Mr Victor Saasi Kule, confirmed the incident.
- The mob reportedly attacked him with sticks and stones and by the time police arrived, he was already in a coma. He was taken to Anyeke health centre IV where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier attached to Alpha Battalion, Loro Sub-county in Oyam District has been killed on over theft allegations.
Fred Otim, 48, was beaten to death by residents of Anyalo village in Adyeda Parish on Tuesday evening after he was allegedly found in possession of three goats belonging to a 62-year-old widow, Ms Anjulet Amongi.
The LC3 chairman of Loro Sub-county, Mr Robert Ekwaro, told Daily Monitor on Wednesday that the soldier had been conniving with two civilians to steal from residents.
He said the two civilians were also attacked by the mob but they survived with serious injuries after police intervened.
“The two men were arrested by the mob and they led them to Otim’s home located outside the army barracks where the three goats were found,” Mr Ekwaro said.
The mob reportedly attacked him with sticks and stones and by the time police arrived, he was already in a coma. He was taken to Anyeke health centre IV where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The LC3 chairman said the other two suspects are currently nursing injuries at Anyeke health centre.
“They confessed that Otim was their leader and that recently, they also broke into the house of one Olwata and stole his motorcycle and other property which they went and hid at Acanpii before selling,” Mr Ekwaro said.
Mr Ekwaro said Otim has three homes; one inside the army barracks and other two outside where he could use to hide stolen items.
The Oyam District police commander, Mr Victor Saasi Kule, confirmed the incident.
“It’s true three people were beaten. Two of them are in serious condition and one of them died come to claim his body which is at a mortuary at Anyeke health centre,” Mr Kule said.
The UPDF fourth Division Spokesman Maj. Telesphor Turyamumanya confirmed to this reporter that the mob justice victim is one of their own attached to Alpha battalion in Loro barracks.
“He is Private Fred Otim. The information I have got from there is that Otim together with other two civilians were found in possession of three suspected stolen goats. They were beaten by the mob but unfortunately, Otim died shortly at the hospital where they were rushed by police," Maj Turyamumanya said on phone when contacted on Wednesday evening.
