Police in Apac have arrested three people in connection with the mob killing of Patrick Okello, a man accused of cattle theft in Awilabongo village, Apoi sub-county.
On Monday, April 7, in the morning, local residents allegedly caught Okello stealing a cow.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police PRO SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, along with suspects Denis Akaki, 17, Walter Okello, 36, and Ambrose Opeto, 26, took part in the fatal beating.
The LC2 chairman of Amun parish, Moses Bongonyinge, 46, reported the incident to police, stated SP Okema.
He also stated that the police homicide team processed the scene and completed the postmortem. The body was released to relatives for burial.
Police strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing, pointing out that vigilante justice violates Article 22 of Uganda’s Constitution, which protects the right to life.
“We warn communities against taking the law into their hands. The suspects will face justice in court,” Okema added.
This case highlights growing concerns about mob justice in rural Uganda, where communities frequently use violence against suspected criminals due to perceived delays in formal justice systems.
As investigations continue, the suspects remain in custody at the Apac Central Police Station.
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