On April 23, 2025, a police trainee at Kabalye Police Training School in Masindi took his own life by shooting himself, and authorities have detained another trainee to assist with the ongoing investigation. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. when James Tembo reportedly obtained a firearm from his fellow trainee, Francis Onek, before using it to fatally shoot himself.
The Territorial Police in Masindi have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Officers from Masindi Central Police Station promptly responded to the scene, where they collected statements from witnesses to piece together the events leading up to Tembo’s death.
A postmortem examination has been conducted by the police surgeon to establish the precise cause of death, and the AK-47 rifle involved, which contained 28 live rounds of ammunition, has been secured by the police as a critical piece of evidence in the investigation.
Police Constable Francis Onek, who is alleged to have handed over the firearm to Tembo prior to the incident, is currently in custody to aid authorities in their inquiries. The investigation seeks to clarify the sequence of events and determine any contributing factors to the tragic event.
The Albertine Region Police are actively working to gather all relevant details, with a commitment to providing the public with further updates as the investigation progresses. Authorities have emphasized their dedication to a thorough examination of the incident to ensure all aspects are fully understood.
