Kampala, [Date] – The 5th division of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) is grappling with a heart-wrenching incident where one of their soldiers shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself. The tragic event, which occurred around 10 am the previous day, has left authorities and the community in shock and mourning.
Colonel Akiiki, spokesperson for the UPDF, announced that an investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the shooting. The circumstances that led to such a distressing outcome are being carefully examined to shed light on the tragic incident.
In response to the shocking event, Colonel Akiiki condemned the act and urged all soldiers to reach out for support when facing personal challenges. The UPDF has deployed psycho-social support officers across all army units and formations to assist soldiers dealing with various issues. He stressed the importance of utilizing these support services to resolve domestic misunderstandings and conflicts without resorting to violence or the use of weapons.
The incident marks the fourth tragic case involving soldiers of the national forces in less than a month. On July 17, CPL Lawrence Sibiwa, attached to the 51 Infantry Battalion in Bukwo District, shot and killed a civilian named Fred Kwemoi along Kapchorwa-Bukwo-Suam road. On July 13, Cpl Avugo Lomuro of the Mountain Division Signal Department, attached to the Airforce Evacuation Component, shot and killed two of his colleagues and injured another.
These unfortunate events have raised concerns about the mental well-being of soldiers and underscore the need for effective measures to address mental health issues within the armed forces. Authorities are working to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that soldiers have access to the necessary support and resources to cope with any personal challenges they may encounter.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of life and expresses solidarity with the families affected by this tragic incident. The UPDF leadership remains committed to promoting mental health awareness and providing necessary support services to safeguard the well-being of their personnel.
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