Land dispute linked to 54-year-old Kwania woman’s murder by hacking; 1 suspect held

Police in Kwania district have launched an investigation into a case of murder by hacking that occurred on February 12, 2026.

The crime happened at 2am in Echeheleye village, Aderolong parish, Akali sub-county, Kwania district.

Odoch Samuel, 28, a resident of Obangangeo village, Alel parish, Akali sub-county in Kwania, reported the crime to the police at 6:41 am on the same day.

It is alleged that on the above-mentioned date and time, the suspects namely Odongo Ronald, Okello Ongom Ronald, Oyuhu Maxwell, Awanyo Felix, Aguti Santa and Apio Stella attacked the deceased, identified as Akullu Molly, 54 while asleep inside her grass-thatched house.

She was a peasant farmer and resident of Echeheleye village.

Akullu was sleeping alongside her granddaughter, Abonyo Finella, 4, and her daughter, Apio Mercy, 17.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Odongo Ronald forcefully gained entry into the house after kicking and breaking the door, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO for North Kyoga Region said.

After gaining access, Odongo allegedly hacked the deceased on the neck, back and abdominal area using a panga. “In the process, the juvenile, Abonyo Finella, who was sleeping on the same bed, sustained injuries to the neck and back,” SP Okema added.

“Upon hearing the commotion, Apio Mercy woke up and raised an alarm. The suspect reportedly chased her outside while armed with the panga. The alarm attracted Elom Geoffrey, son of the deceased, who flashed a torch and identified Odongo Ronald in the company of the other suspects. Only Odongo Ronald was reportedly armed at the time.

Anaso Jessica, wife to Elom Geoffrey, responded to the alarm and attempted to intercept the suspect. She was subsequently cut on the neck and hand. The suspect then fled towards a nearby swamp with the weapon and remained at large.

SP Okema revealed that Akullu was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured victims, Anaso Jessica and Abonyo Finella, were rushed for medical attention, with Anaso Jessica admitted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.

Police responded to the scene promptly. The Scene of the crime was visited and documented by the OC CID Kwania, officers from Akali Sub-county Police Station, Homicide detectives and SOCO personnel.

The body was conveyed to Aduku Health Centre IV for postmortem examination. PF3 forms were issued to the injured victims for medical assessment.

One suspect, Apio Stella, SP Okema said has since been arrested to assist with investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Preliminary findings indicate that there has been an ongoing land dispute between the deceased, her son Odoch Samuel (the complainant), and the suspects since April 2024, which is suspected to have motivated the attack.

“We therefore render our condolences to the deceased family and request anyone with any information that can lead to the whereabouts of the suspects to report to the nearest police station,” the regional police PRO appealed.