UPDF Sergeant Killed in Ambush by Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Yumbe

A soldier of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has been shot dead following an ambush by suspected cattle rustlers in Yumbe District.

The deceased has been identified as 42-year-old Sergeant Mukundane Jonas, who was serving as the officer in charge of Kupia Army Detachment in Kerwa Sub-County.

According to a police statement issued by North West Nile Region Police Spokesperson Collins Asea, UPDF personnel received intelligence from a local resident who reported a suspicious group of six men—five of whom were armed with rifles—heading towards Kilaji Village.

The woman raised concern that the group could be linked to ongoing cattle raiding incidents in the area, prompting a response from the army detachment.

Sergeant Mukundane, along with his team, mobilized to track down the suspects. However, they were ambushed, leading to a gunfight that resulted in his death and that of one suspected cattle raider believed to be from South Sudan.

Police say the body of Sergeant Mukundane was retrieved from the scene and transported to Gulu Army Division for further management. The body of the deceased suspect was taken to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

An SMG rifle loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition was recovered at the scene and has since been secured at Yumbe Central Police Station.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects, with investigations ongoing.