In a tragic turn of events, Amuru District Veterinary Officer (DVO) Samuel Ocor was fatally shot in the abdomen, allegedly by a soldier, near Lakang Trading Centre in Lakang Sub County.
Ocor was en route to oversee the care of confiscated livestock from Balaalo herdsmen at an animal holding ground in the area.
Eyewitnesses, including resident Raymond Orach, recount the suddenness of the gunshot, which occurred without any apparent altercation in the police pickup vehicle transporting Ocor and his team.
While Ocor succumbed to his injuries, the soldier responsible for the shooting also sustained wounds.
Despite numerous attempts to reach UPDF 4th Division commander Brig Michael Kabango for clarification, no response was received.
Amuru Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Stephen Odong Latek confirmed the incident, attributing it to recklessness.
According to Odong, preliminary investigations suggest that a stray bullet from an improperly secured firearm discharged within the vehicle, fatally striking Ocor.
The soldier involved was promptly taken for medical attention at Amuru Health Centre IV.
Latek further elucidated that Ocor, accompanied by police and officials from the District Internal Security Office (DISO), had sought reinforcement from the Lakang army detachment to safeguard the overflowing number of confiscated animals.
Despite efforts to bolster security, the fatal shooting occurred during the transportation of soldiers to the holding ground, less than 7km from the detachment.
Emphasizing the ongoing investigation, Latek refrained from disclosing the soldier’s identity and other pertinent details, citing the need to maintain the integrity of the inquiry.