Explore the truth about Okiror’s death

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OPINION

By David Oluka

The death of young Daniel Okiror, a student of Teso Progressive Secondary School in Ngora district, has left many Ugandans deeply in tears.

The media narrative surrounding how he was shot by a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer already shows troubling inconsistencies, and it is only right that we demand clarity, honesty, and justice for this young boy. After speaking to one of the teachers from the school, I got details that contradict what has been reported in newspapers and on social media.

Those close to the incident reveal that Okiror was allegedly shot in the presence of the school director, the headteacher and several teachers.

If this is true, why did school administrators call armed officers to handle a matter involving their own student?

Police detectives can easily verify the sequence of events by examining the director’s and headteacher’s phone records other than denying that they did not call the Police before the boy was shot. The director reportedly claimed that Okiror “resisted arrest,” prompting him to go for reinforcement. How could a single unarmed student “resist” trained armed military personnel and school authorities? What exactly did he do that warranted such an extreme response? Was he armed? And even if there was a misunderstanding, does resisting arrest justify the use of lethal force?

Some witnesses say Okiror had obeyed Police orders, including removing his shirt and shoes. If he was compliant enough to follow such instructions, what kind of resistance suddenly made shooting a necessary option?

Given that the case also touches on senior district police officers, it is only fair that an independent team from Police headquarters takes over the investigation to avoid any conflict of interest.

Other accounts indicate that the incident began with a disagreement between Okiror and a fellow student over unpaid money, prompting Okiror to confiscate the fellow student’s school box. Even if true, should such a dispute escalate into death? Why did the school resort to police intervention instead of mediation?

The public deserves the truth. Okiror’s family deserves justice.

The writer is a resident of Ngora town council