The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the death of Sergeant Johnson Muhindo during an exchange of fire on Lake Edward, along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border.

However, the UPDF offered a different account. Maj Kiconco Tabaro, public information officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, said the soldiers had responded to a distress call from Ugandan fishermen who were being robbed on the lake.

“On rushing to the scene, our soldiers came under heavy gunfire, which killed Sgt Johnson Muhindo, the commander of the response team,” Tabaro said.

He added that the soldiers returned fire against the attackers, who later abandoned their canoe and drowned in the lake. According to Tabaro, the army recovered two light machine guns, five submachine guns, a 25-horsepower boat engine, and the attackers’ canoe.
He said investigations are ongoing to identify the armed group and their motive. Tabaro urged residents around Rweshama to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that the overall security situation remains stable. By URN