One dead, chaos erupts as mob attacks suspect in Gulu City

16 February 2026, 1:58 pm

By Gift Okello

Police in Gulu City are investigating a suspected murder that sparked violent mob unrest in the early hours of Sunday morning along Cemetery Road in the city centre.

The incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m. when an unidentified young man was fatally stabbed under circumstances that remain unclear. According to ASP Ongom David Mudong, the Aswa West Police spokesperson, the deceased was allegedly stabbed by a chapati vendor, prompting immediate investigations.

Police suspect the victim was affiliated with a group of unruly youths commonly known as “Aguu.”

ASP Mudong said that shortly after the stabbing, individuals believed to be associates of the deceased regrouped and returned to the scene, where they allegedly assaulted the chapati vendor and several nearby residents, vandalised shops, and set multiple structures on fire.

Fire and Rescue Services later responded and managed to extinguish the flames before they spread to neighbouring buildings.

Several people injured during the violence were rushed to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.

Police have since arrested several suspects in connection with both the murder and the mob violence, as investigations continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Peter Banya, the Gulu City East Deputy Resident City Commissioner, condemned the violence, attributing the rising crime to drug abuse among youths, particularly marijuana. He added that city security is preparing a major crackdown targeting dealers and users in gang-prone areas, including Cemetery Road, Nakasero Road, and Labour Line.

Francis Odoch Okayolebe, the LC1 Chairperson for Forest Ward, criticised senior security authorities for their delayed responses to alerts from local leaders, saying, “wa peko wa ngec i kare, ento kony pe bino i cawa” (we report problems in time, but help arrives late).

Odoch Michael, a resident of Gulu City, expressed concern over the rising insecurity and urged city leaders and security agencies to implement stronger, sustained measures to restore public safety.

Police have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate as investigations into the incident continue.