Pader district police are detaining a 45-year-old man from Laminachwe village in Rackoko parish, Lunyiri sub-county, to aid investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of another man from the same village, only identified as Ojuku.
Obote Bosco Odong, the accused, stated that the incident occurred on the evening of Friday, March 21, 2025.
It is alleged that Obote, a 45-year-old male adult who later reported himself to the police, was suspected to have been involved in the killing of the deceased along with a male juvenile (whose name has been withheld).
According to reports gathered from Odong, the juvenile who is currently on a run was attempting to catch a cow using a rope tied to a spear but failed.
Moments later, the cow became aggressive, ran off, and entered a swampy area. Ojuku, the deceased, who was returning from Rackoko Trading Centre, saw the young boy struggling and decided to help him.
In the process, it is alleged that the deceased was accidentally struck in the chest by the spear and died instantly. The juvenile ran home and informed his father, Obote Bosco Odong, who then reported the incident to Rackoko Police Station.
Inspector of Police Joe Oloya, assigned to the East Aswa region, stated that on Friday evening, while Odong was at the police station, a group of enraged youth gathered and began pelting stones at the station.
They were demanding that the suspect be surrendered to them. They accused him of being responsible for Ojuku’s death.
Oloya said the police, with the help of the UPDF, managed to disperse the rowdy youth. He further stated that investigations have been launched into the circumstances surrounding Ojuku’s death.
He described the incident as a case of manslaughter, citing a rash or negligent act rather than premeditated murder, as there was no malice aforethought.
“I also wish to commend the police and UPDF for their swift and prompt action. However, I strongly condemn the actions of the locals who raided the suspects’ homes and looted their property that night,” Oloya stated.
Currently, police and other security personnel have been deployed in Laminachwe village to prevent further unrest. The spear and the rope used in the incident have been recovered as evidence.
By the time of filing this report, the body of the deceased had been transported to Pajule Health Center IV for a postmortem examination.
Superintendent of Police Ben Okae, the Aswa East Regional PRO, urged the general public to respect the law and called on the relatives of the deceased to remain calm, assuring them that investigations are ongoing.
By Vincent Kaguta
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