UPDF Soldier on the Run After Allegedly Killing Friend Over Card Game Debt
KIRUHURA, UGANDA – Police in Kiruhura district have launched a manhunt for a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer accused of shooting and killing his friend following a dispute during a card game.
The incident occurred in Nshwere Empango, Rushere Town Council. The victim has been identified as 36-year-old Eric Agaba.
According to local authorities, the suspect, Sgt James Kakooza, was playing cards for money with the deceased on the farm of the late Aidah Aikiriza, where Kakooza served as the farm manager. David Kooya, the LC1 Chairman of Shwere, stated that Kakooza lost several bets totaling 80,000 Ugandan Shillings to Agaba.
“When Kakooza realised how much money he had lost, he decided to take Agaba’s life to get back his money,” Chairman Kooya said.
Kooya further revealed that the suspect is a known drug user and had been previously warned by authorities over suspected involvement in robbery and murder cases in the area. Following the shooting, Sgt James Kakooza fled the scene and remains at large.
Police are actively investigating the case and searching for the fugitive soldier.
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