Kawanda school shooting: UPDF sergeant remanded till May 8

Sergeant Abdul Ssali from the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) transport department has finally appeared before the Army court for shooting dead Ronald Waliggo at Kawanda senior secondary school last year.

Prosecution told the General Court Martial that on November 15, 2022, while at Kawanda SSS in Nakyesanja zone in Wakiso district, Ssali developed a misunderstanding with Waliggo while leaving the school premises in a UPDF vehicle after picking up a student.

Since the exit route was narrow, Ssali decided to squeeze into the side where the deceased had parked his motorcycle. This led to an altercation after Waligo complained to Ssali about being squeezed, which attracted the attention of the other boda boda riders who condemned Ssali’s actions. 

In response, Ssali entered his vehicle where he picked up an AK-47 rifle and shot Waliggo, killing him instantly before he sped off from the scene.  Ssali on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to the charges that were read to him by the General Court Martial chairperson Brig Gen Robert Freeman Mugabe. 

Lt Charles Mukwana who led the prosecution said that investigations into the matter were still ongoing prompting the chairman to remand the accused until May 8, 2023.