Two people are receiving treatment at Lira Regional Referral Hospital following a violent incident linked to a relationship dispute in Lira City West Division.
The incident occurred on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Te Dam Cell, Ojwina Ward, and is being investigated by police as a case of attempted murder and suspected attempted suicide.
According to preliminary police investigations, a man whose identity has not yet been established allegedly contacted his girlfriend, Lacwec Joan, 20, a resident of Barogole Cell in Ojwina Ward, after the two reportedly had a misunderstanding.
Police allege that when the pair later met, the man attacked Joan with a panga, leaving her with serious cut wounds.
The suspect reportedly later ingested a suspected poisonous substance and collapsed at the scene.
Residents who responded to the incident alerted police, and both Joan and the suspect were rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for medical attention.
The suspect is currently under police guard as investigations into the incident continue.
Police officers visited and processed the scene, recovering a panga believed to have been used in the attack and a bottle containing the suspected poisonous substance. The items have been secured as exhibits to support the ongoing investigation.
Police said they are working to establish the identity of the suspect and determine the circumstances that led to the incident. Statements are expected to be recorded from the victim, complainant and witnesses once Joan’s condition allows.
A Police Form 3 (PF3) will also be issued to facilitate the victim’s medical examination as part of the investigation.
Police have urged couples and people experiencing relationship conflicts to seek peaceful ways of resolving their differences rather than resorting to violence.
The public has also been encouraged to seek help from trusted family members, religious leaders, community leaders or other relevant stakeholders when faced with relationship challenges.