Army Leadership Visits Grieving Family in Sembabule
UPDF Lwemiyaga shooting incident claimed the life of Fred Ssembusi on June 26. He was fatally shot by Lt Zziwa Bashir during a political event in Lwemiyaga, Sembabule District. In response, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces extended formal condolences to the grieving family.
Maj Gen Deus K. Sande, Commander of the Armoured Division, visited the family on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces. During his visit, he expressed sympathy and delivered three million Ugandan shillings to help with funeral costs.
While addressing mourners, Maj Gen Sande strongly condemned the incident. He confirmed that the UPDF had launched a full investigation into the shooting. His message emphasized the army’s commitment to justice and restoring public confidence.
“This is a painful incident, and as UPDF, we do not condone such actions. We assure the family and the public that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
He also assured attendees that corrective actions would follow. According to Sande, the army enforces a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. He stressed that professional conduct must be upheld at all times.
Public Reactions and the Call for Accountability
The condolence event drew key leaders, including Theodore Ssekikubo, MP for Lwemiyaga County. Other attendees included the Resident District Commissioner, local council officials, and members of the community. Their presence symbolized unity and the shared demand for transparency.
This tragic UPDF Lwemiyaga shooting has sparked national concern. Many Ugandans have raised questions about military conduct in civilian areas. However, the army’s quick response and direct outreach have helped ease public tension. Such engagements play a vital role in rebuilding trust and strengthening accountability.
For further reading on military affairs and security developments, see how a recent scandal exposed flaws in Uganda’s military system. The UPDF rifle competition also showed ongoing training and discipline efforts. Meanwhile, in Kenya, anti-government protests led to fatalities. In Nigeria, gunmen in Yelwata left families shattered. Back in Uganda, President Museveni recently signed the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 into law. The official UPDF tribute can be found in this obituary for Fred Ssembusi.
