North Kyoga records six murders in one week surge

30 June 2026, 12:35 pm

By Regina Lalam Olal

Police attribute Kwania killings to domestic violence, alcohol disputes and mob justice as region records six murders

The North Kyoga Region has recorded six murder cases in just one week, with the districts of Kwania, Apac, Oyam and Lira reporting separate killings that police say were fuelled by domestic violence, mob justice, alcohol, and minor misunderstandings.

SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, described the trend as “deeply worrying” and warned of a growing culture of resolving disputes through violence.

Kwania District: Three killings in one week

1. Domestic killing in Atongtidi – June 25, 2026

In Anamoringo Village, Wigweng Parish, 74-year-old Akello Asantorina was allegedly beaten to death by her son, Okae Felix, 30, during a domestic dispute.

Police say Okae returned from brick-burning and began assaulting his nine-year-old son, Okello Elvis. Akello intervened with a mortar, after which Okae allegedly wrestled it from her and repeatedly struck her with it. Both were rushed to Aduku Health Centre IV, where Akello was pronounced dead. The suspect remains admitted under police guard.

2. Waragi dispute in Abongamola – June 2026

Kali Denis, 36, died after allegedly being assaulted by Odur Bernard over a dispute involving locally brewed waragi worth UGX 500 at Olaipali Trading Centre, Abang Parish. The disagreement escalated inside a drinking place. Kali later died at Aduku Health Centre IV.

3. Joint attack in Aduku – June 29, 2026

Amoc Martin was allegedly attacked by four men at a drinking joint in Amuli Village, Aboko Parish, Aduku Sub-county. The suspects, identified as Okao Ambrose, Ojok Opio, Ojok, and Ocola, fled and remain on the run.

Apac, Oyam and Lira also record cases

4. Mob justice in Apac – June 25, 2026

In Ayeng Trading Centre, Ayago Parish, Apoi Sub-county, a man identified as Ogwang was lynched by an angry mob over alleged goat theft. Police condemned the killing. No arrests have been made, but investigations are ongoing.

5. Brick attack in Oyam – June 2026

Odongo George, 49, died after allegedly being attacked with a brick by Banya Denis in Amoneno Village, Acuti Parish, Ngai Sub-county. Police say the suspect accused the deceased of calling him a thief in public. Odongo died en route to Boga Trading Centre. Banya has been arrested.

6. Mysterious death in Lira – June 2026

Okello Patrick, 55, was found dead along a roadside in Iguli Village, Onywako Parish, Itek Sub-county, after reportedly returning from a drinking place in Amito-Mot Trading Centre. The circumstances are under investigation.

Police condemn violence, urge dialogue

“These incidents reflect a growing culture of resolving disputes through violence,” SP Okema said. He strongly condemned domestic violence, mob justice and alcohol-related assaults, warning that minor disagreements are resulting in unnecessary loss of life.

“No individual has the authority to take the law into their own hands. Report suspected criminals to the police instead of resorting to mob justice,” he added.

Okema also called on district local governments to strengthen by-laws regulating drinking establishments to curb violent crimes linked to excessive alcohol consumption.

He urged the public to embrace dialogue, tolerance and lawful conflict resolution, and to cooperate with security agencies.

Police say investigations into all six cases are ongoing, and efforts are underway to apprehend suspects still at large.