Moroto residents are in an uproar after a Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier ended the life of a man suspected of cattle rustling. The incident has sparked anger and demands for accountability, with residents questioning the circumstances surrounding the suspect's death. The deceased, Michael Iriama, was arrested at the Loputuk Detachment, but the community is shocked that he was later fatally shot. Patrick Lokii, a resident who witnessed the arrest, expressed his disbelief, stating, 'We thought he would be taken through the legal process. Hearing that he was killed has left us shocked.' The UPDF Public Information Officer, Major Godfrey Tumwine Kashaka, acknowledged the incident, describing it as regrettable and assuring a full investigation. The shooting occurred during a community harmonization meeting attended by some of Iriama's relatives. According to security reports, Iriama had allegedly stolen cows from Napak District and driven them to Arengkejo Village, where he was tracked and arrested. The controversial part of the story is the sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting. Security officials reported that Iriama asked to go to the latrine but instead attempted to escape. Soldiers fired warning shots, but he continued running, prompting the guard on duty to shoot him dead. The police responded swiftly, with a team led by D/CID ASP Mubarak Wamaungo, homicide detectives, SOCCO, and uniformed officers documenting the scene. The stolen animals were recovered and handed back to the rightful owner, Joseph Loduk. Local leaders have condemned the incident, including the area councillor and NRM flag bearer for the Moroto District LC5 seat. 'I was shocked to learn of this incident, and I will work with UPDF and Police to ensure the perpetrator faces the law,' he said. Iriama's body has been taken to Moroto Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem, and the authorities are awaiting the findings of the inquiry to determine the next course of action. This incident has raised questions about the handling of such situations and the potential for further tension in the community. The residents are left with many unanswered questions, and the controversy surrounding the incident has sparked discussions about the balance between law enforcement and community trust.
