A UPDF Court Martial sitting at Air Force Headquarters on Tuesday turned into a scene of chaos when Sergeant Yonah Ntegyereize, the accused in a rape case, reportedly seized a gun from a guard and fired shots, resulting in the tragic death of Lance Corporal Eliot Niwamanya.
The incident occurred during an attempt to transfer Yonah and two other convicts to Kigo prison.
According to information obtained by this investigative website, the Court Martial, chaired by Brigadier Chris Kasaija, was convened on March 19, 2024, to address the case against Sergeant Yonah.
The Sergeant stood accused of the heinous crime of rape, with two prosecution witnesses providing testimony against him.
Following the proceedings, Yonah was remanded to Kigo prison, awaiting further trial dates.
However, events took a devastating turn during the transfer of the accused and his fellow convicts.
While at the detention facility retrieving their belongings, an altercation erupted at Katabi quarter guard.
It is alleged that Sergeant Yonah seized a firearm from one of the guards and opened fire, targeting Lance Corporal Eliot Niwamanya, an investigation staff member, and Warrant Officer One (WO1) Jimmy Eyoga, who was in charge of detention.
The motive behind the shooting, not initially disclosed by the army, reportedly stems from a personal vendetta.
Sources close to the investigation suggest that Sergeant Yonah accused Lance Corporal Niwamanya of framing him to pursue his wife, with whom Yonah was allegedly involved romantically.
This revelation sheds light on a possible motive for the violent outburst.
Tragically, Lance Corporal Niwamanya succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save his life, passing away in the early hours of March 20, 2024.
WO1 Eyoga Jimmy, the other victim of the shooting, is currently undergoing treatment at Kisubi Hospital, where his condition is said to be improving.
The loss of Lance Corporal Niwamanya Eliot has sent shockwaves through the Air Force community. His funeral is scheduled to take place on March 22, 2024, in Kyanzire, Kashenshero, Mitooma District, where he will be laid to rest.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Ntegyereize Yonah faces additional charges stemming from the shooting incident.
The AirForce authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice is served for the fallen soldier and his grieving family.
The shooting has been confirmed by Maj Naboth Mugisha, the public information officer of the AirForce.
He was however, unable to confirm claims that the deceased was secretly seeing the suspect’s wife.
