The Police in Lamwo district are investigating the suspected murder of a 68-year-old retired army officer who was found dead in a pool of blood outside his home in Padibe town council.

The deceased, identified as Luteny Dicken, was discovered in front of his grass-thatched house in Ngomoromo South Cell, Gang Dyang Ward, under unclear circumstances.

Police investigations indicate that the shooting occurred at night after residents reportedly heard a gunshot from the direction of the deceased’s home at about 9:30pm.

Okot James, a resident of Lupwa Konya village, told police that he was seated with his family in their compound when they heard the gunshot.

The incident came to light the following morning when Toolit Denis, who had gone to uproot beans near the deceased’s home, discovered the body lying in a pool of blood.

He raised an alarm, attracting other community members, before the matter was reported to police at about 9:30am.

Padibe town council LCIII chairperson Otema Wilfred said the killing had shocked residents, particularly because the deceased was not known to have had disputes with anyone in the community.

Otema said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear, calling for thorough investigations to establish the motive and bring those responsible to justice.

Odoch Boniface, a resident of Padibe expressed concern over the killing and questioned how a firearm reportedly belonging to the army or the police could be used to kill a civilian.

Odoch called on the government and security authorities to strengthen accountability among armed personnel and ensure that individuals entrusted with firearms are held responsible for their use.

Atto Pamela, another resident of the area also demanded investigations into the source of the firearm, saying civilians should not lose their lives through the misuse of weapons meant to protect them.

Police officers from Lamwo Central Police Station visited the scene, documented evidence, recorded statements from witnesses and searched the surrounding area.

However, no cartridge or other exhibits linked to the suspected murder weapon had been recovered during the initial investigations. The body was subsequently transferred to Padibe Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination.

North Kyoga Region Police PRO, SP Okema Patrick Jimmy, who is also the acting PRO of Aswa East and Aswa west policing region said investigations were ongoing, adding that the motive behind the killing remained unknown and no arrests had been made.

He appealed to members of the public with information that could help identify the suspect to share it with police confidentially.

Police said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.