The Territorial Police in Masindi are investigating a tragic incident of suicide involving a police officer at the Kabalye Police Training School.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, at approximately 2:30 PM. According to preliminary reports, No. 70992 Police Constable Tembo James, a 29-year-old trainer attached to PTS Kabalye, allegedly took his own life by shooting himself with an AK-47 rifle.
It is reported that the firearm was handed to PC Tembo by a fellow officer, PC Onek Francis, shortly before the incident occurred. Following the shooting, a case of suicide by firearm was officially registered.
A team of officers from Masindi Central Police Station responded to the scene, where they conducted a preliminary investigation, recorded statements from relevant witnesses, and recovered the AK-47 rifle used in the incident. The weapon, which contained 28 rounds of live ammunition, has been secured as evidence.
A postmortem examination was conducted by a police surgeon to ascertain the cause of death.
PC Onek Francis has since been taken into custody to assist with the ongoing investigations.
Speaking on the matter, Albertine Region Police Spokesperson, SP Harkiza Julius Allan, confirmed that inquiries are actively underway and that more details will be shared as investigations progress.
The incident happened days after a Uganda People’s Defence Forces( UPDF ) soldier shot dead a 32-year old hawker identified only as Mugisha ,in Kijura North Cell, Central Division of Masindi Municipality