Acting regional spokesperson SP Samuel Semewo identified the deceased as Private Baguma Ali, a 24-year-old UPDF soldier attached to the 1st Division in Wakiso District who had reportedly come home on an official pass to Bubera Village in Budaka District on the evening of June 22nd when the incident occurred.
Semewo said Baguma was riding a motorcycle belonging to Modo Siraj, a 35-year-old boda boda rider from the same village.
”Modo Siraj, who survived the attack, reported that around 10:30 PM, he and Baguma were travelling back from a local trading centre when they were ambushed by four men, one of whom was dressed in army fatigues and armed with machetes and clubs,” Mr Semewo said, adding that the assailants immediately attacked Baguma, inflicting deep wounds to his head that caused heavy bleeding.
“Modo managed to escape the attack by running into the nearby bushes. He then hurried home and alerted Baguma’s relatives, who rushed to the scene and transported the critically injured soldier to Mbale Hospital. Tragically, Baguma succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.”
Police responded to the scene, where they found evidence of a struggle and the victim’s blood.
“They have opened an investigation under CRB 223/2024 at Budaka Central Police Station. The stolen motorcycle has not yet been recovered, and the assailants remain at large.” Ssemewo
Semewo also added that this tragic incident has robbed a community of a brave soldier who was serving his country and as police, they are doing everything in their power to apprehend the culprits and ensure justice is served.”
