Minakulu, Oyam: Parents beat and kicked their 12-year-old son to death

Police in Oyam district are investigating a case of murder that occurred on February 4 at about 11am at Wikwoyo village, Kulabula parish, Minakulu sub-county in Oyam district.

The report was made on the same date at around 12:49 pm by Owani Peter, 58. Owani is the chairman LC3 of Minakulu sub-county and a resident of Opuk village.

SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO for North Kyoga Region identified the deceased as Olwa Brian, 12.

The suspects in the matter have been identified as Omara Denis, 40 and his wife Awino Janet and Komakech Odyek.

It is alleged that on February 4 at around 7am, Omara Denis, the father of the deceased, gathered his children including Olwa Brian at the home of his mother, Apio Onesi, reportedly to discipline them.

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During the process, he questioned the deceased about his behavior of not staying at home. The response allegedly angered Omara who then started assaulting the child by boxing, kicking, and beating him with sticks.

Awino Janet, the mother of the deceased, and Komakech Odyek reportedly joined Omara Denis in beating the child using sticks, SP Okema stated.

The assault is alleged to have continued until about 11am. Thereafter, the child was pronounced dead.

“After realising that the child had died, Omara Denis reportedly attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself with a rope but was rescued. Awino Janet and Komakech Odyek fled from the scene,” SP Okema added.

A brother of the deceased, identified as Oyugu Ivan, reportedly alerted local leaders after noticing the severity of the assault.

Community members responded, including the LC3 chairman of Minakulu sub-county, who witnessed the aftermath and immediately reported the matter to the police.

On Wednesday, police registered a case of murder. The homicide team visited and documented the scene, and statements were recorded from relevant witnesses.

The body of the deceased was conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examination. One suspect has since been arrested while efforts to trace and apprehend the other suspects are ongoing.

“This is yet another unfortunate incident, our appeal goes to the family heads and clan leaders to always find the best approach to handling the children in conflict with the law,” the PRO said in a statement.