Police in Oyam district pledge to fight corruption among officers

28 May 2025, 1:09 pm

By Okello Isaac

The Chief Political Commissar of Police, AIGP Ubaldo Bamunoba, has tasked police officers in Oyam district with putting an end to corruption among their officers.

Speaking at a meeting held in Ngai town, convened to address the recent fatal shooting of a civilian by a police officer of Ngai Police Station and the retaliatory killing of a police officer by locals, AIGP Bamunoba expressed concern over misconduct within the police ranks.

During the meeting, local residents raised several complaints against police officers of Oyam district, including the release of suspects without trial and the concealment of criminal cases.

In response, Oyam District Police Commander (DPC) Job Mutegeki and the Officer in Charge (OC) of Ngai Police Station pledged to uphold integrity and ensure that officers do not extort money from community members seeking police services.

AIGP Bamunoba condemned cases where police officers allegedly accepted bribes to release suspects.

 He urged officers to honor their oath to fight corruption and encouraged residents to report any officers involved in such practices.

He further directed the police in Oyam district to screen the 26 individuals arrested in connection with the recent murder of a police officer in Ngai subcounty, ensuring that the innocent is released and those found culpable are prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of Operations, Simon Peter Okoshi, warned locals against forcibly seizing firearms from police officers, noting that such acts are illegal and would not be tolerated.

Leaders from Oyam District, including LCV Chairman Benson Dila Oyuko, also voiced accusations of corruption within the police force.

On 18th May 2025, tensions flared in Ngai subcounty after a police operation turned tragic, leading to the death of a civilian and the lynching of a police officer by enraged residents.

The incident unfolded when a police officer from Ngai Police Station, identified as Naturinda Johnson, attempted to arrest a suspected motorcycle thief.

 According to reports, the suspect fled the scene, prompting Naturinda to fire warning shots in the air.

Tragically, a stray bullet struck Nelson Ojok Omoding, a resident of Tecik, who succumbed to his injuries en-route to Ngai Health Centre III.

The fatal shooting sparked immediate outrage among the locals.

In response, angry residents stormed Ngai Police Station, assaulted and killed a police officer, set the station and a motorcycle ablaze, and seized a firearm.