Yumbe, Uganda: A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) sergeant has been killed in a gun battle with suspected South Sudanese cattle raiders during an operation in Kerwa Sub-county, Yumbe District.
The North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, Collins Asea, confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased as Sergeant Mukundane Jonas, 42, who was in charge of the Kupia Army Detachment.
According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at around 5:00 p.m. in Kupia Village.
The operation was triggered after a local woman reported spotting a group of six suspicious men, five of them armed with rifles, moving towards Kilaji Village.
Acting on the tip-off, Sgt. Mukundane mobilised his team and moved to intercept the suspects. However, upon reaching the area, the UPDF unit was ambushed, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“In response, the In-Charge of Kupia Army Detachment mobilised personnel to follow up on the report. During the operation, the team was ambushed, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left Sergeant Mukundane Jonas and one cattle raider from South Sudan dead,” Asea said.
Security forces recovered one SMG rifle (Serial Number FY2416) loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition from the scene. The firearm has since been secured at Yumbe Central Police Station armoury as an exhibit.
Police confirmed that one suspected cattle raider was also killed during the exchange, while others fled and are currently being pursued. A case of murder by shooting has been registered under KERWA CRB: 008/2026.
A joint team of police officers, including the District Criminal Investigations Officer and Scene of Crime personnel, processed the scene.
The body of Sgt. Mukundane was transported to Gulu Army Division for further management, while the deceased raider’s body was taken to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The latest incident highlights ongoing security challenges along the Uganda–South Sudan border, where cross-border cattle rustling continues to fuel violence and instability.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cattle theft and related armed incursions remain a recurring threat in border regions, particularly in West Nile and Karamoja, often involving heavily armed groups.
Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects and restore calm in the area.
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