Tragedy struck the Uganda Police Force today when a young police constable, identified as PC Thembo James, died by suicide at the Police Training School (PTS) in Kabalye, Masindi District. The 29-year-old officer allegedly shot himself inside the Other Ranks’ Mess using an AK-47 rifle.
According to an incident report filed under MSD/CRB: 391/2025, the incident occurred around 2:30 PM and was reported just five minutes later. PC Thembo James, a Mukonjo by tribe, had been attached to PTS Kabalye as a trainer and resided within the staff quarters. Authorities say he had been undergoing treatment for mental health issues since 2023.
The report states that fellow officer PC Onek Francis handed over his firearm to PC Thembo James after another officer, PC Nyakato Doreen, declined to hold it while PC Onek went to the Admin block. Moments later, PC Thembo reportedly walked into the mess and shot himself in the throat, with the bullet exiting through the top of his head. His body was discovered lying in a pool of blood by Cpl Kyamazima Sarah, who rushed in upon hearing the gunshot.
PC Onek, who had just given him the weapon, also returned immediately after hearing the shot. Authorities have since arrested him as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
PC Thembo’s struggle with mental health was not new. After his deployment to Mityana Police Station following the 21st intake training in 2019, he reportedly developed mental health complications. He returned to PTS Kabalye in June 2024 after time off for treatment.
Close friend PC Katugumia Wilson told investigators that PC Thembo had recently shown signs of instability, including uncoordinated speech and attempts to leave the training school with all his belongings. Despite these warning signs, he was assigned duties and remained within the force.
A team led by Masindi DPC SP Tukasiima Pensive responded to the scene, alongside homicide detectives and a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer). The scene was examined and documented, and an AK-47 rifle with 28 rounds and a spent cartridge was recovered.
A postmortem conducted by SP Mukasa revealed a bullet entry point at the throat and an exit wound at the top of the head, with blood splattered across the wall inside the mess hall.
Police have opened a case of suicide by shooting and continue to investigate the events leading up to the tragedy. The arrest of PC Onek Francis, who last handed the weapon to the deceased, suggests investigators are examining whether proper firearm handling protocols were breached.
This incident has reignited calls for stronger mental health support within the police force, particularly for officers returning from treatment or showing signs of emotional distress.
As the force mourns the loss of a young life, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the psychological challenges faced by those in uniform and the urgent need to address them.
