The North Kyoga Regional Police said on July 9 that they are investigating a double tragedy involving a murder by hacking and a subsequent incident of mob action in Minakulu, Oyam district.
According to SP Afande Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Public Relations Officer, preliminary investigations indicate that on the night of July 5, 2026, at an unknown time, Okello Walter, a resident of Otada “B” village, Kulabura parish, Minakulu sub-county, Oyam, disappeared from his home and never returned.
Regrettably, no report of his disappearance was made to the police by his relatives.
SP Okema further stated that on July 8, 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Officer in Charge (OC) of Minakulu sub-county police station received information from a concerned citizen that the decomposing, beheaded body of an unidentified male adult had been discovered in a maize garden belonging to a person identified as Ajera of Ajaga trading centre.
A team of police officers immediately responded to the scene. With the assistance of the deceased’s father—who had been informed while at Atapara Hospital visiting his daughter-in-law—the body was positively identified as that of Okello Walter.
Preliminary findings suggest that on July 5, 2026, the deceased was involved in a fight at a bar owned by Ayo Alex and Apio Christine at Ajaga trading centre.
The altercation involved suspects identified as Onegi Geoffrey, Ogwang Ronald, and another individual also named Okello Walter.
Following the confrontation, the deceased disappeared and was not seen again until his body was discovered three days later.
A case of murder by hacking has been registered, and investigations have commenced, SP Okema revealed.
Statements have been recorded from the complainant and other relevant witnesses. The crime scene was visited, processed, and documented by the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), Oyam, under the command of the District Police Commander (DPC), Oyam.
The deceased’s body was conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Police subsequently arrested four suspects—Onegi Geoffrey, Ogwang Ronald, Okello Walter, and Apio Christine—to assist with investigations.
However, while Onegi Geoffrey was being escorted to Minakulu sub-county police station, he allegedly escaped from lawful custody. He was pursued by members of the public, who apprehended and lynched him.
His body has also been conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder of Okello Walter, identify all those responsible, and determine the motive behind the killing.
Police say they strongly condemn the act of mob action, which undermines the rule of law and denies suspects the right to a fair trial.
“Members of the public are urged to always hand over suspects to the Police for lawful investigation and prosecution.”
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