UPDF Soldier Dies in Suspected Suicide After Watching Arsenal Beat Manchester United

A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier in Kisoro District has died in a suspected suicide by shooting, shortly after watching Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United in the English Premier League.

The deceased has been identified as Pte. Kwesiga Samuel, 32, service number RA 267544, attached to Nyanamo detach under the 35th Battalion in Kisoro District.

Police say the incident occurred on Monday morning, August 18, 2025, at around 7:00 a.m. in Kigyeyo Village, Nyanamo Town Council.

According to preliminary reports, on the evening of August 17, 2025, Kwesiga went to Nyanamo Trading Centre to watch the highly anticipated clash in which Arsenal defeated Manchester United 1-0. He returned to his unit at about 9:00 p.m., told his colleagues that he was feeling tired and needed to rest, then locked himself inside his unipod.

The next morning, at around 7:00 a.m., a gunshot was heard from his house. His colleagues tried calling him but received no response. They later peeped through the window and saw him lying in a pool of blood. The door was forced open, and he was confirmed dead.

Police and UPDF officers processed the crime scene, recovering a spent cartridge and a rifle with four magazines. The body was taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for postmortem before being handed over to the UPDF command for burial arrangements.

Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate said inquiries are underway to determine the motive behind the suspected suicide.