Police officer killed by mob after accidental civilian shooting in Oyam

Oyam | A botched arrest operation in Tecik village, Ngai sub-county, descended into chaos on Sunday evening, killing a civilian with police gunfire.

In retaliation, an angry mob lynched a police constable named John Bosco Naturinda, exposing dangerous tensions between security forces and communities.

Police reports indicate that 3 officers from Ngai police station were assigned to arrest Okwir Ambrose, an alleged motorcycle thief ringleader.

Okwir was accused of stealing a motorcycle with registration number UDY 645Q. The theft case was reported by Ogwang Justine and two accomplices were arrested.

Ogwang indicated that the two suspects, Ongiro Joshua and Obong Jolly, had previously been apprehended. They identified Okwir as their ringleader and that he was in possession of the motorcycle.

North Kyoga Region Police PRO SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, said that during the attempted arrest, Ojok Nelson Omoding and others allegedly tried to disarm the officers.

In the ensuing struggle, they removed the magazine from the rifle, not realizing it was already cocked, resulting in a bullet being discharged that fatally wounded Ojok Nelson Omoding, who succumbed shortly after arriving at a nearby clinic.

The mob became aggressive and assaulted the officers. John Bosco sought safety at the residence of the LC1 chairman, Ameny Nixon, but was subsequently handed over to the mob and killed immediately.

Two other officers escaped to different directions and were later rescued with injuries. As of Monday, they were receiving treatment at Anyeke Health Centre IV.

The mob reportedly proceeded to Ngai Police Station, where they vandalized property, including case files, communication equipment, and windows, and forcibly released detainees from the cells.

Three suspects, including the two involved in the motorcycle theft and one Ocen Michael (charged with obtaining money by false pretence), managed to escape.

In response, a police team led by SP Mutegeki Job, the DPC of Oyam, along with the OC Station and OC Operations, arrived at the scene. They were later joined by the RDC and LC5 chairperson, who addressed the community, urging cooperation with security agencies in combating crime.

RPC of North Kyoga, SSP Doka Rashid, led the regional team to offer guidance and support.

The officer’s firearm, Rifle No. UG POL 565835910-33087, was recovered, although the magazine containing 29 rounds was missing.

A murder case has been filed, and investigations are currently in progress, according to PRO SP Okema. “Intelligence teams are actively on the ground, with approximately 15 key suspects identified and arrests being made.”

SSP Doka Rashid, said: “While we regret the accidental shooting, mob justice is never justified. We’ll prosecute all perpetrators.”

“A trigger pulled in panic, a mob fueled by rage—now two families bury their loved ones. This cycle must end.” — DPC of Oyam, SP Mutegeki Job, said.