Arua nightclub shooting

Overview

The Arua nightclub shooting was a mass shooting that took place on 28 September 2006 at the Paradise Nightclub in Arua, Uganda. The gunman, Andrew Wanyama, a private in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) attached to the 409th Brigade, opened fire on patrons inside the club at approximately 4:13 a.m.

The shooting

Wanyama, identified by authorities as the shooter, opened fire, killing three people and seriously injuring four others. Two people died at the entrance of the dance hall, and a third died from bleeding at Kuluva Hospital. Two of the three killed were fellow UPDF soldiers, Corporal Eric Byaruhanga and Private Musubuka; a third, unnamed man was also killed. The injured included Private Juma Seiko Masaba, Private Edward Akandwanaho, Bosco Atiku, and a person identified only as "Grace."

According to reporting, the shooting arose from a quarrel between Wanyama and his colleagues involving a sex worker. It is not established why he also shot people who were not involved in that dispute.

Aftermath and death of the gunman

After the shooting, Wanyama fled the scene and hid in a mango tree. A joint military-police squad located him the following afternoon, 29 September 2006, and ordered him to surrender. Wanyama instead opened fire on the squad, and the officers shot and killed him in response.

Community reaction

Following the shooting, local leaders, including Charles Asiki, the mayor of Arua District, called for the immediate closure of the Paradise Nightclub, citing its negative reputation. Police had reportedly raided the venue on multiple prior occasions because it was known as a hangout for local criminals.