Police in Agago district are investigating a shooting death after a UPDF soldier shot and killed a soccer coach in a tragic incident on Tuesday evening.

The soldier, identified as Private Mukanza Michelle attached to the Kokil army detachment under Labwordwong barracks, shot dead Omol Justin, 25, the head coach of Aguta United Football Club in Paimol sub-county, Agago district, northern Uganda.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 31, 2023 at around 6:00 p.m. when Omol was conducting a training session with his team at the Paimol sub-county playing field.

It is alleged that during the training session, the inebriated soldier arrived and insisted on joining the game, but Omol respectfully asked the soldier to rest and come back later.

However, in a fit of rage, the soldier rushed back to the barracks and returned armed with a rifle, before tragically shooting Omol in both legs.

Immediate action was taken and Omol was quickly transported to Dr Ambrossoli Memorial Hospital Kalongo, where he succumbed to his injuries at 8pm.

Aswa River Region police spokesman David Ongom Mudong confirmed the incident and said the soldier had been arrested and was currently being held at the 5 Division Army Barracks in Acol Pii.

Mudong denounced the soldier’s behavior, highlighting the sad reality that instead of protecting citizens, an officer had become the perpetrator of violence against them.

The body of the deceased has been taken to the morgue of Agago District Hospital for an autopsy, while the investigation into the murder case continues.