UPDF Soldier Shoots Congolese National Over Illegal Border Entry in Kasese

Kasese District | THE BLACK EXAMINER | A Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldier from the 5th Battalion Rusese is currently under investigation following an incident where he shot and injured a Congolese national in Kisolholho Village, Karambi Sub County, located in Kasese District.

The victim in this case, Majwar Muhindo Kibwana, a 26-year-old originally from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was allegedly shot while attempting to cross into Uganda through a porous border area.

The Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner, responsible for Bukonzo County, Lt. Maate Magwara, confirmed the incident on Monday and stated that the UPDF soldier had been arrested and is currently in police custody.

Kibwana, who has reportedly been frequently crossing the border due to the shared ethnicity of the communities on both sides of the Uganda-DR Congo border, had been working as a casual laborer on the Ugandan side at the Mpondwe customs in Bwera. His job involved loading and unloading items from vehicles.

Lt. Magwara explained the circumstances surrounding the shooting, stating that when the UPDF soldier encountered Kibwana crossing at an unauthorized point, Kibwana attempted to flee. This prompted the soldier to pursue him, eventually resulting in Kibwana being shot in the hip.

However, Lt. Magwara questioned the soldier’s use of excessive force, suggesting that there could have been a peaceful way to apprehend Kibwana, especially since he had located him at a residence.

Currently, Kibwana is admitted to Kagando Hospital, where he is receiving medical attention.

In response to the incident, Lt. Magwara emphasized the importance of compliance and cooperation when approached by security officers. He urged residents of Kasese to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individuals in their villages to avoid such situations in the future.