Police in Serere District have launched investigations into the mysterious death of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier who was found dead under circumstances suggesting foul play.
The deceased has been identified as L/Cpl Ojakol Michael, service number RA/241096, aged 27, an Iteso by tribe and a UPDF soldier attached to the MTN Infantry Division Headquarters under the 105 Artillery Brigade based at Muhoti Barracks in Fort Portal City.
According to preliminary reports, Ojakol was discovered dead on Thursday night at an unknown time in Ajesa Cell, Osuguro Ward, Olio Sub-county in Serere District. Authorities suspect that he was strangled before his body was hanged on a tree to make it appear as though he had committed suicide.
The soldier was a resident of Alengo Village, Agolitom Parish, Ngora Sub-county in Ngora District. Reports indicate that he had been granted pass leave on April 18, 2026, and travelled directly to his ancestral home in Ngora.
Two days later, on April 20, he reportedly left Ngora and travelled to Serere District to visit his girlfriend, identified as Iyogil Mercy, a teacher at Olio Primary School located in Ajesa Cell, Osuguro Ward.
Police and security agencies were alerted following the discovery of the body. A police canine unit was deployed to assist with investigations. According to sources at the scene, the police sniffer dog reportedly tracked a scent trail directly to the staff house of Iyogil Mercy, where it remained.
Following the development, Mercy was arrested by police and taken to Serere Central Police Station (CPS) to assist detectives with ongoing investigations into the death.
The body of the deceased was later removed from the tree by police officers and transported to Serere Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination aimed at establishing the exact cause of death.
Authorities have cautioned the public against speculation as investigations continue.
Speaking on the matter, Serere Resident District Commissioner (RDC) John Stephen Ekoom urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
“Yes, we received information regarding the incident and police are actively investigating the matter. We ask the public to remain calm, vigilant and allow security agencies to carry out their work,” Ekoom said.
Meanwhile, Serere District LCV Chairperson Eng. Martin Onguruco condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.
He expressed concern over the increasing cases of violent deaths and urged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in establishing the circumstances that led to the soldier’s death.
The death of the young soldier has shocked residents in both Serere and Ngora districts, with family members and community leaders demanding answers over what transpired during his visit.
By press time, police had not released any official findings regarding the cause of death, and no suspect had been formally charged. Investigations remain ongoing, and authorities say further updates will be communicated as new information emerges.
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