Senior Army Officer Capt. Steven Akampamya Dies in Tragic Accident

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and residents of Kiruhura District are mourning the death of Capt. Steven Akampamya, who reportedly died in a road accident on Friday night.

News of his death has saddened fellow soldiers, friends, relatives and members of the wider military community, many of whom remembered him as a dedicated officer who served the country with commitment and professionalism throughout his military career.

Capt. Akampamya joined the UPDF through the General Recruitment Exercise of 2001 and underwent military training as part of the 17th Intake at Bihanga Training School. He later participated in several military operations and rose through the ranks during his years of service.

He was among the soldiers deployed under Operation Iron Fist, the major military offensive launched in 2002 against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony. The operation remains one of the most significant campaigns in Uganda’s military history and played a key role in weakening rebel forces and rescuing abductees.

Beyond his military duties, Akampamya was also known among fellow soldiers for his talent in music composition. Colleagues say he composed songs that highlighted the sacrifices, resilience and achievements of troops involved in Operation Iron Fist, helping to inspire and motivate soldiers during challenging deployments.

Throughout his service, he earned respect from both junior and senior officers for his dedication to duty and leadership abilities. He previously served as a commanding officer of Ugandan troops deployed under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), where he contributed to regional peacekeeping efforts.

Tributes have continued to pour in from comrades and friends, with many describing him as a patriotic officer whose service left a lasting impact on both the military and the country.

As family, friends and colleagues come to terms with the loss, many are remembering Capt. Akampamya as a soldier who served with distinction, inspired fellow troops through music, and remained committed to protecting Uganda throughout his career.

Burial arrangements had not yet been officially announced by the time of publication.