By Walter Okello I 13th May 2026
The Territorial Police in North Kyoga Region are investigating two separate murder cases registered in Lira City East Division and Agwata Town Council Police Station in Dokolo District.
In the first incident, police at Lira City East Division are investigating a case of alleged murder by mob action following the death of Awany Jasper, also known as John, a resident of Adaga Ayela Cell in Boke Ward, Lira City East Division.
According to preliminary police findings, the incident occurred on 10th May 2026 at around 6:00pm when the deceased was allegedly arrested by members of the community on suspicion of stealing a cow belonging to Akech Betty.
He was reportedly assaulted by a group of people at Adaga Ayela Trading Centre, sustaining severe injuries.
The same group is said to have later taken the victim to his home before dispersing. However, his condition deteriorated, prompting relatives to rush him to Gift Life Health Centre for medical treatment. He was pronounced dead at the facility on 11th May 2026 at about 5:00am.
Police homicide detectives and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) visited and documented the scene, while the body was conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examination.
One suspect identified as Opio Geoffrey alias Okello Boda has since been arrested and is currently in police custody to assist with investigations, while efforts to trace and arrest other suspects involved in the mob attack are ongoing.
Meanwhile, police in Dokolo District are investigating the suspected murder of Ogwal Jimmy John, a 45-year-old LC1 Secretary of Okwor Cell in Agwata Town Council, whose body was recovered floating in Olweny Swamp.
The case was reported on 10th May 2026 by Alele Christine, the deceased’s wife, after her husband failed to return home following a visit to Tetugo Trading Centre on 9th May 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased left home at around 2:00pm to socialize with friends and was last seen at about 10:00pm after allegedly becoming intoxicated. He was reportedly escorted by a friend identified as Obala, who later left him on the way home.
On the following day, a resident identified as Odongo reportedly informed the deceased’s wife that a shirt and SIM card suspected to belong to her husband had been discovered near the staff quarters of Next Generation Primary School in Agwata Town Council.
The wife later confirmed ownership of the shirt and reported the disappearance to police.
On 12th May 2026 at around midday, a fisherman identified as Obim Joel discovered the body floating in Olweny Swamp and alerted local authorities, who informed police.
A joint team of officers from Dokolo Central Police Station, including homicide detectives and Scene of Crime Officers, visited and processed the scene before conveying the body to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examination.
Police have arrested four suspects, all teachers at Next Generation Primary School in Agwata Town Council. They include Olot Jaspher, 27; Opio Justine Innocent, 24; Okello Benedict Moses, 23; and Ojwok Samuel Baker, 24.
The suspects are currently detained to assist with ongoing investigations.
Police said investigations are continuing, with statements still being recorded from witnesses. Authorities also plan to revisit the bar where the deceased was last seen drinking, as well as the area where the shirt and SIM card were recovered.
The postmortem report is awaited and the completed case file will later be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal guidance.
Police have strongly condemned acts of mob justice and all forms of unlawful violence, urging members of the public to always hand over suspects to lawful authorities for proper investigation and prosecution as inquiries into both cases continue.