UPDF Soldier Shoots Himself Dead, Leaves Suicide Note Exposing High-Ranking Officer

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is mourning the tragic loss of Lieutenant Amon Ariho, who took his own life after writing a heartbreaking letter to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Lt Ariho, who had served in the UPDF since 2013, ended his life by shooting himself, raising serious concerns about the army’s internal management.

In his suicide note, Lt Ariho thanked the CDF for his leadership but pointed to problems within the UPDF’s Engineering Brigade, specifically accusing Major George Ogwang, the head of the central region brigade, of mismanagement and selfish behavior.

Lt Ariho described a toxic work environment where decisions were made without consulting engineers, and financial mismanagement created further challenges.

One example mentioned was in Butambala District, where engineers had worked to produce blocks valued at 100 million Ugandan Shillings. Maj Ogwang allegedly dismissed the effort as theft and dismissed engineers arbitrarily, undermining their work and morale. Lt Ariho also highlighted unpaid debts that made their situation even worse.

"Harmful propaganda and selfish interests will make you hate and abandon good people and pull up wrong elements,” Lt Ariho warned in his letter. He urged the CDF to make reforms to fix these deep issues.

In a heartbreaking part of the note, Lt Ariho pleaded with the CDF to care for his family and ensure his children’s well-being. He also requested to be buried in his home district of Rukiga.

The UPDF spokesperson, Brigadier-General Felix Kulayigye, confirmed the incident and stated that the allegations in the suicide note are being investigated. Meanwhile, the Deputy Spokesperson, Col Deo Akiiki, expressed condolences to Lt Ariho’s family and called his death a tragic loss to the UPDF.

Lt Ariho’s note is a call for accountability, and it is now up to the leadership to address these serious allegations.