Police in Amolatar district have launched a murder investigation following the tragic discovery of a four-year-old boy who was kidnapped, killed, and buried in a shallow grave in Nalubwoyo sub-county.
The victim, identified as Ojede Ivan from Kibugu village, Alwala parish, was reported missing by his father, Ojede Samu, 44, after the boy failed to return home on the evening of October 29, 2025.
According to the North Kyoga police PRO SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the incident occurred between 5:00 and 6:00 pm when the deceased, accompanied by his two elder brothers—Orech Mathew, 13, and Ocol Hamson, 9—took family animals to the lake for water.
During the journey, the brothers sent Ivan back home due to the long distance, but he never arrived.
Family and community members conducted initial searches that proved unsuccessful. The following day, October 30, during continued search efforts, the boy’s body was discovered in a nearby bush, partially buried under fresh soil with natural flowers placed nearby.
A police canine unit tracked the scent to the home of the primary suspect, Epoke Moris, a 20-year-old resident of Kibugu village located approximately one kilometre from the crime scene. The suspect remains at large.
A team from Amolatar Central Police Station, supported by canine units from Dokolo CPS and homicide detectives, processed the scene.
Investigators recovered a hoe believed to have been used to dig the grave approximately 95 meters from where the body was found.
The body has been transported to Amolatar Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examination, while statements have been recorded from the boy’s parents and other witnesses.
Police indicate the victim was apparently kidnapped while returning home alone, though the motive remains undetermined.
“This is a very unfortunate incident,” stated SP Okema. “We promise to follow this investigation to its final conclusion and ensure justice is served.”
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