Ugandan police are investigating a tragic incident where a 38-year-old soldier shot and killed a 41-year-old Indian manager before taking his own life, allegedly over dissatisfaction with his pay. Private James Opio, a soldier with the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), had been assigned as a guard at the Royal Velko Joint Venture Ltd site in Amolatar District. The site was managed by Thirumalesh Itikala, who also served as the engineer.
According to North Kyoga Regional Public Relations Officer Jimmy Okema, Opio reported for duty on Friday, October 4, after spending the previous night at a disco in a nearby trading center. He reportedly voiced frustrations about his low wages to his colleagues. In a fit of anger, Opio stormed into Itikala’s office and shot him in the chest while he was on the phone.
Opio then exited the site and, after walking about 50 meters, turned the gun on himself, shooting himself in the neck and dying instantly. Okema informed *Daily Monitor* that Opio was rushed to Amolatar Health Centre level IV hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Authorities arrived at the scene to investigate and document the event. Both bodies are currently at the health center, awaiting post-mortem examinations.
Okema described the situation as tragic, urging workplace supervisors to regularly engage with their employees, including security staff, to address any grievances they may have.
