Kisoro: UPDF soldier takes own life after MAN U-Arsenal match

19 August 2025, 11:16

By Uziah Tusaasire

A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier has reportedly taken his own life by shooting himself, just hours after watching a Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal.

The deceased has been identified as RA. 267544 Pte Samuel Kwesiga, aged 32, attached to the Nyanamo Detachment under the 35th Battalion in Kisoro District.

According to a statement released by Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, the tragic incident occurred on 18 August 2025 at around 7:00 am in Kigyeyo Village, Nyanamo Town Council, Kisoro District.

Maate stated that on the evening of 17 August 2025, Kwesiga had gone to watch the highly anticipated Manchester United vs Arsenal match at Nyanamo Trading Centre. After the game, he returned to his unit at around 9:00 pm and informed his colleagues that he was tired and wished to rest.

He then entered his house (unipot) and locked himself inside.

The following morning, at around 7:00 am, residents heard a gunshot from the soldier’s residence. Suspecting an accidental discharge, they rushed to the scene and peered through the window—only to find Kwesiga lying in a pool of blood.

The body was later taken to Kisoro Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination and has since been handed over to the UPDF Command Structure for burial arrangements.

Police have launched investigations into the incident.