Police vow justice for girl, 7, reportedly killed by stepmother in Lira

Police in Lira district, under the North Kyoga Region, are investigating the suspected murder of a 7-year-old girl from Adyebongwen village, Apanylongo parish, Agali sub-county, Lira district.

According to SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the incident occurred on November 13, 2026, at around 10:30am and is suspected to have been carried out by the child’s stepmother, identified as Awor Felister Ruth, 30, from the same village.

SP Okema said that preliminary findings indicate that on the fateful day, at around 10am, Awor—who is the deceased’s stepmother—had reportedly been mistreating the child under unclear circumstances by beating her and inserting red paper into her private parts.

On that day, she sent the girl to fetch water using a jerrican. Shortly after, she followed her and found that the girl had not yet filled the jerrican.

She then beat the girl, strangled her, and left her at the water source while she was unconscious, with blood coming from her mouth and nose.

The stepmother later informed her husband, Coda Kizito, 31, who made a report at Agali Sub-County Police Station.

The matter was subsequently referred to Lira District Central Police Station (CPS) for further management.

A case of suspected murder was registered at Agali Sub-County Police and later transferred to Lira district for investigations.

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The scene was visited by area police, officers from Amach town council, and a team of homicide police officers from Lira District CPS, and was documented by the SOCO.

Statements were recorded from relevant witnesses.

According to police, the body of the deceased was recovered and conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination. The suspect was arrested to assist in investigations and is currently detained at Lira District Central Police Station.

SP Okema added: “We strongly condemn violence against children. It is unfortunately a common practice by step-parents.

“If you feel you cannot stay with a partner who already has a child outside your marriage, kindly do not involve yourself in such relationships to avoid this kind of primitive act.”

Police vowed to investigate the matter to its logical conclusion, and announced that justice must prevail for the innocent soul.