THROWBACK: The 1994 Kampala Wedding Massacre That Left 26 Dead After Soldier Opened Fire on Guests

KAMPALA — One of Uganda’s deadliest acts of gun violence unfolded on June 26, 1994, when a wedding celebration in Kampala turned into a scene of horror after a soldier returned with a firearm and opened fire on guests, leaving 26 people dead.

The tragedy, which remains etched in the memories of many Ugandans, was reportedly triggered by a personal disagreement after a woman at the wedding declined to dance with the soldier.

According to accounts widely reported at the time, the soldier, identified as Richard Komakech, had attended the wedding celebrations where he allegedly approached a woman identified as Irene Ati and asked her to dance. After she declined, an altercation reportedly followed, leading to Komakech being removed from the venue by other attendees.

Witnesses said the soldier left the premises but returned about 10 minutes later carrying an assault rifle.

Upon his return, he allegedly shot and killed Irene Ati before opening indiscriminate fire on the wedding guests. The sudden attack sent hundreds of people fleeing in panic as gunshots rang out across the venue.

Reports indicate that 14 people died at the scene, while several others sustained critical injuries. Twelve of the wounded later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 26.

The shooting left numerous families mourning loved ones and shocked the nation, with many describing it as one of the most devastating civilian massacres in Uganda during the 1990s.

After the attack, Komakech reportedly attempted to take his own life by shooting himself in the head. However, the gunshot only wounded him, and he allegedly pretended to be dead as security personnel moved in to secure the area.

According to eyewitness accounts that have circulated over the years, Irene Ati’s father, overwhelmed by grief after witnessing the death of his daughter, reportedly forced his way through the police cordon and fatally attacked the injured gunman before authorities could take him into custody.

The incident sparked renewed public debate about firearm control, the conduct of armed security personnel outside official duty, and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent military weapons from being used against civilians.

More than three decades later, the Kampala wedding massacre remains one of Uganda’s darkest criminal incidents, serving as a painful reminder of how a single act of armed violence can destroy dozens of lives within minutes and leave lasting scars on families and communities.