Summary:

• A UPDF soldier, Benjamin Ngabire, is in police custody in Kikuube district for allegedly assaulting civilian Emmanuel Twine and causing damage to his eye.

Police and authorities in Kikuube district are currently detaining a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) identified as Benjamin Ngabire, who is alleged to have assaulted a civilian, causing significant damage to the victim’s eye. Ngabire is affiliated with Battalion 51 of the Third Division and had been on leave when the incident occurred.

The victim, Emmanuel Twine, a resident of Nyairongo Trading Centre in Kabwoya sub-county, Kikuube district, fell prey to the alleged assault on December 14, 2023. According to Desire Nkurunziza, the chairman of Nyairongo village, Twine was attacked around 10 am while en route from Nyairongo Trading Centre to Sayuni sub-village.

Nkurunziza detailed that the assailant, Ngabire, employed a baton to strike Twine specifically on the left eye during the unfortunate incident. The severity of the assault resulted in considerable damage to Twine’s eye.

Following the incident, the suspect was promptly apprehended by law enforcement officers stationed at Kyarushesha Police Post. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Kikuube district police station to undergo further legal procedures.

Julius Allan Hakiza, the Public Relations Officer for the Albertine Regional Police, told Examiner this morning that Benjamin Ngabire is currently in police custody. The case is under investigation, and appropriate legal actions will be taken based on the findings. The incident has raised concerns within the community, highlighting the importance of ensuring accountability even among members of the armed forces.