20-year-old man killed over shs2, 000 debt

8 January 2025, 11:25 am

By Otim Moses

A 20-year-old man from Lamogi village, Ladotonen parish, Kiteny subcounty, Kitgum district, was murdered on Monday, January 6, 2025, by his colleague over a debt of Shs 2,000. The deceased, identified as Odongo Denis, also known as Richard, was allegedly struck with a pounding stick by Ocan Patrick, 25, a fellow resident of Lamogi village.

According to the police report, the dispute arose over the unpaid debt. This led to Ocan retrieving a pounding stick from the homestead of his in-law, Kidega Bosco, and hitting Odongo on the head. Odongo succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to Namokora Health Centre IV.

IP Joes Oloya, the Aswa East Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and stated that a case of murder had been registered and is under investigation. He added that police detectives visited the crime scene and recorded statements from relevant witnesses to aid in the inquiry. The suspect, Ocan Patrick, is currently in custody, and Odongo’s body was taken to Namokora Health Centre IV for a postmortem.

IP Oloya appealed to the public to remain calm, assuring them that investigators are diligently working to ensure the suspect is brought to court. He also urged community members to respect the right to life and resolve disputes amicably through local leaders or mediation.