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Body of 32-year-old woman recovered in Ajai Game Reserve
The deceased was identified as 32-year-old Santina Afakoru, a resident of Lali Village, Onyumu Parish, Okollo Sub-County, Madi-Okollo District.
SSP Josephine Angucia, the Police Spokesperson for West Nile region said, a case was reported to police on September 5, 2026. (Credit: Robert Ariaka)
By: Robert Ariaka, Journalist @New Vision
MADI OKOLLO - The Body of a 32-year-old woman identified as Santina Afakoru has been retrieved inside Ajai Game Reserve.
This is after the Police in Madi Okollo launched an investigation into an incident of suspected murder by shooting which occurred on September 4, 2026.
Josephine Angucia, the Police Spokesperson for West Nile region, said a case was reported at Ajai Game Reserve in Madi-Okollo District.
The deceased was identified as 32-year-old Santina Afakoru, a resident of Lali Village, Onyumu Parish, Okollo Sub-County, Madi-Okollo District.
Preliminary reports indicate that Afakoru was shot dead by the Game Rangers of Ajai Wildlife Reserve, attached to Lali Detachment of Uganda Wildlife Authority UWA.
It is alleged that, on September 4, 2026, at around 04:30pm, the deceased Afakoru, together with her co-wife, Anteza Amviko, went to fetch firewood in Ajai Game Reserve, where they were intercepted by two Game Rangers attached to Lali Detach appeared.
It is alleged that the women were shot at as they fled to avoid arrest.
During the chase, the deceased fell and never got up. The incident was reported to the family by Amviko.
Afakoru did not return home, which forced the family to file a case of a missing person case, leading to the search.
On September 5, 2026, the relatives mounted a search for Afakoru and visited various police stations and the UWA office in Lali Detach. The personnel at Lali Detach denied holding any person in custody and advised them to report to the police.
It is alleged that, on September 4, 2026, at around 04:30pm, the deceased Afakoru, together with her co-wife, Anteza Amviko, went to fetch firewood in Ajai Game Reserve, where they were intercepted by two Game Rangers attached to Lali Detach appeared.
It is alleged that the women were shot at as they fled to avoid arrest.
During the chase, the deceased fell and never got up. The incident was reported to the family by Amviko.
Afakoru did not return home, which forced the family to file a case of a missing person case, leading to the search.
On September 5, 2026, the relatives mounted a search for Afakoru and visited various police stations and the UWA office in Lali Detach. The personnel at Lali Detach denied holding any person in custody and advised them to report to the police.
The relatives went to Madi-Okollo CPS and reported a case of a missing person, which later turned out to be a case of murder.
Angucia says police acted by opening a missing-person case and later upgraded the case to murder by shooting. A team of Police officers proceeded to Ajai Game Reserve to search for the body.
During the search, the body of Afakoru was found lying in a pool of blood, covered with a black polythene paper. On opening the polythene, the body was found lying face down with a suspected bullet wound on the right side of the back.
Relevant statements were recorded from the complainant and eyewitness. The body was retrieved and taken to Nebbi Hospital for post-mortem.
Angucia says no arrest has been made in relation to the death of Afakoru. The medical findings indicate visible injury consistent with a gunshot wound on the right side of the back.
The case registered under Madi-Okollo 148/2026 is still under investigation, Angucia said.
Angucia says police acted by opening a missing-person case and later upgraded the case to murder by shooting. A team of Police officers proceeded to Ajai Game Reserve to search for the body.
During the search, the body of Afakoru was found lying in a pool of blood, covered with a black polythene paper. On opening the polythene, the body was found lying face down with a suspected bullet wound on the right side of the back.
Relevant statements were recorded from the complainant and eyewitness. The body was retrieved and taken to Nebbi Hospital for post-mortem.
Angucia says no arrest has been made in relation to the death of Afakoru. The medical findings indicate visible injury consistent with a gunshot wound on the right side of the back.
The case registered under Madi-Okollo 148/2026 is still under investigation, Angucia said.