security 20 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
UPDF Sergeant Fatally Shot in Clash with Suspected South Sudanese Cattle Rustlers in Yumbe
A UPDF sergeant, Jonas Mukundane, was killed in a shootout with suspected South Sudanese cattle rustlers in Yumbe district, alongside one unidentified raider. Security forces recovered a rifle and are pursuing the remaining suspects amid rising cross-border raids. Source: https://observer.ug/news/updf-sergeant-killed-in-shootout-with-suspected-cattle-rustlers-in-yumbe
A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) sergeant lost his life during a confrontation with suspected cattle rustlers from South Sudan in Yumbe district.
Sgt. Jonas Mukundane, aged 42 and commanding the Kupia army detachment in Kerwa sub-county, died alongside an unidentified raider believed to be South Sudanese. The clash happened on Sunday, April 19, around 5:00 p.m. in Kupia village after locals alerted troops to suspicious activity by six armed men heading to Kilaji village.
North West Nile police spokesperson Collins Asea confirmed the site was secured and examined. Mukundane’s remains were moved to Gulu Army Division, while the raider’s body went to Yumbe regional referral hospital for autopsy.
Authorities recovered an SMG rifle (serial FY2416) with 26 rounds from the scene, now stored at Yumbe Central police station. UPDF’s West Nile spokesperson, 2nd Lt. Wilfred Oloya, stated operations continue to capture the fleeing suspects, assuring the area remains stable.
This event highlights escalating cross-border cattle theft in Yumbe, following raids two weeks prior that took over 200 cattle and five people in Kei and Kerwa sub-counties.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)