Tragedy in Agago as son murders father in cold blood

13 May 2025, 9:02 AM

By David Ojok Jr

The police in Agago district are investigating a deeply disturbing incident involving the murder of a 60-year-old man, Lugen Kabaka, a resident of Laluruonyol village, Latin Ling parish in Geregere subcounty.

The deceased, a known farmer in the area, met his tragic end on the morning of May 12, 2025, in what appears to be a brutal, deliberate and premeditated attack by his own son.

Preliminary investigations indicate that at around 9:00 AM, the suspect, identified as Kilita Alex, allegedly trailed his father to the garden where he had gone to dig and upon locating him, Kilita reportedly grabbed his father’s hoe and used it to strike him multiple times, leading to his death on the spot.

According to the police spokesperson for Aswa East Region, Inspector of Police (IP) Oloya Joe, after the gruesome attack, the suspect allegedly proceeded to search for his mother, seemingly with the intention of harming her as well. Fortunately, the mother managed to flee and escaped unhurt.

Residents of Laluruonyol village who were left in shock following the incident upon learning of the tragedy from the mother, quickly mobilised and apprehended the suspect before handing him over to the authorities at Patongo Central Police Station as investigations continue.

IP Oloya noted that this horrific incident highlights the rising tensions in many rural families linked to long-standing domestic disputes and property-related conflicts and urged the community to remain calm and allow the law to take its course while calling for increased mediation in family matters to prevent such tragedies.

The incident sheds light on a broader issue of family feuds over land and property, which continue to claim lives and divide communities in northern Uganda.

Land remains a critical and emotive asset in the region, with inheritance disputes, unclear ownership, and unresolved post-conflict resettlement claims frequently fueling violence within families and authorities are encouraging community leaders and local councils to strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms to address such disputes before they escalate to violence.