UPDF soldier on the run after killing three in love tragedy

Moses Awongo, a UPDF soldier attached to Mbuya Army Barracks at Mulago hospital. He is one of the victims of the Kinawataka shooting. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa

What you need to know:

Pte Patrick Odongo, attached to Mbuya Army Headquarters, allegedly shot the people after suspecting his girlfriend of having another lover.

KAMPALA- Police and other security agencies are hunting for a UPDF soldier, who shot dead three people, including his lover, injuring another three, after suspecting his girlfriend of having another lover.
Pte Patrick Odongo, attached to Mbuya Army Headquarters, allegedly shot the people at 10:15pm on Sunday night at Kinawataka in Nakawa Division, Kampala city.

The dead have been identified as Caesar Kele, Scovia Akello and her five-year-old son only identified as Junior. The injured people have been taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment while the bodies of the dead are in Mulago mortuary for a post mortem.

Suspect on the run
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Ibin Ssenkumbi said after the shooting, the suspect took off with his gun, and the hunt is on to arrest him.

“Detectives have visited the scene and they have recovered 12 cartridges. We suspect that he used an AK47 rifle to shoot his victims,” Mr Ssenkumbi said yesterday.

Mr Ssenkumbi added: “Pte Odongo is armed and dangerous. We advise the public to inform security agencies immediately when they see him in their vicinity.”

Police investigations indicate that Pte Odongo picked an argument with his lover identified as Akello, who he accused of having another boyfriend in the bar at Kinawataka at around 6:30pm.

“The angry soldier went back to the barracks, picked his gun and walked back to his bar where he shot his victims,” a police report stated.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police commander, Mr Andrew Kaweesi, is now reported to be in talks with the army management to ensure that soldiers do not move out with their guns in civilian places unless they are on duty.
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