Serere Teacher Detained Over Death of UPDF Soldier Found Hanging in School Compound

By Skika Reporter.

Police in Serere District have detained a primary school teacher to assist with investigations into the suspected murder of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier whose body was found hanging from a mango tree in a school compound.

The suspect, identified as Mercy Iyogil, a teacher at Olio Primary School, is being held as detectives investigate the death of Michael Ojakol, also known as Ojakoro, a UPDF soldier attached to the 150 Artillery Brigade deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the South Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, ASP Stephen Mukombe, Ojakol was on pass leave at his home in Agoltom Village, Serere District, when the incident occurred.

“We received a report of a suspected murder, and the Territorial Police in Serere District have commenced investigations into the death of Ojakol, a UPDF soldier who was on leave in his village,” ASP Mukombe said.

Police said the incident occurred on June 3, 2026, at Olio Primary School.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Ojakol and his girlfriend, Iyogil, reportedly had a disagreement on the evening of June 2 over issues related to mistrust in their relationship. The matter was later taken to the head teacher’s office for mediation.

According to police, the dispute was resolved during the meeting, and Iyogil allegedly gave Ojakol Shs100,000 to facilitate his return to his duty station.

After leaving the school premises, Ojakol was believed to have departed for his workplace. However, his body was later discovered hanging from a mango tree within the school gardens by Dominique Oba, a resident of the area.

The incident was reported to Serere Central Police Station, prompting detectives to visit and document the scene before transferring the body to Serere Hospital for a postmortem examination.

ASP Mukombe revealed that preliminary postmortem findings pointed to possible foul play.

“The postmortem report indicates that the deceased was killed before his body was suspended on the tree. The body had also been tied several times,” he said.

Police have since detained Iyogil to aid ongoing investigations as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death and identify any other individuals who may have been involved.

ASP Mukombe appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigations to report to Serere Central Police Station.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.