Four murder cases rock Oyam, Lira and Dokolo as police launch manhunts

By Raphael Innocent Ogwal 

Lango | Police in the Lango sub-region are grappling with a surge of violent incidents that have claimed at least four lives in Oyam, Lira, and Dokolo districts within the past week.

In Byarbang village, Ngai sub-county, Oyam district, police are holding Agut Agnes, 42, on allegations of murdering her lover, Patrick Okello, 40.

The two reportedly fought on August 14, 2025, after Okello allegedly found another man at Agnes’s home. Agnes is accused of striking him with a stick. Okello was later discovered helpless in his house and rushed to Opit Health Center IV, where he was pronounced dead.

Police recovered the suspected murder weapon as investigations continue.

Still in Oyam, a dispute over chapati turned fatal in Iceme sub-county. Police are hunting for Okaka Ambrose and Okello Sam in connection with the killing of Otim Lawrence.

On August 13, 2025, Otim reportedly accused the duo of eating his chapati, sparking a fight in which he sustained severe injuries. He died two days later at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor.

A murder case has been registered at Iceme Police Station.

In neighboring Lira district, three suspects are in custody following the death of Apita Emmanuel of Awipeder village, Barr sub-county. On August 16, 2025, Emmanuel was allegedly picked up by his brother, Apita Samuel, and three others over missing iron sheets.

He was later returned home in critical condition and died the same evening. Samuel remains on the run, reportedly hiding in Lira City, while police are urging him to surrender.

In Dokolo District, police have arrested Odongo Brian, 27, while his colleague Okwanga Solomon remains at large, over the death of Emut Bosco of Alito village, Agwata sub-county.

Bosco was reportedly beaten on August 2, 2025, but initially downplayed the assault.

A week later, he collapsed and was admitted to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where a CT scan revealed head injuries. He died on August 14, 2025.

During a police presser on Monday August 18, Public Relations Officer, North Kyoga Region SP Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed the cases and urged the public to avoid violence, report disputes early, and seek peaceful solutions before disagreements escalate into fatal confrontations.

“These incidents are regrettable. We appeal to communities to resolve conflicts amicably and report matters to local authorities or police before they get out of hand,” Okema said.