Amuru man killed over cigarettes in bar fight

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Police in Amuru district are holding two men accused of beating a 60-year-old villager to death in a dispute over cigarettes.

The victim, identified as Kanani Charles, was attacked on September 19, 2025, at about 7:00 pm inside a bar at Lulai trading centre, Opara subcounty.

According to preliminary investigations, Charles had gone to buy cigarettes when two men he had been drinking with, identified as Oweka Richard, 24, and Okok Joel, 22, demanded to share with him. 

When he refused, the pair allegedly assaulted him until he died on the spot.

Aswa West Police spokesperson David Ongom Mudong confirmed the incident, noting that the suspects were immediately apprehended by residents and handed over to Amuru Central Police Station.

Homicide detectives and a scene of crime officer later visited the bar, documented the scene, and transferred the body to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital for post-mortem.

Police commended the community for their swift action. 

“This is a good example of civic duty in fighting crime,” Ongom said, adding that the case file would be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney once investigations are complete.