Clan-ordered punishment turns tragic in Oyam
During the journey, Okello allegedly tried to leave for a short call. The two men reportedly chased him to a nearby bush, violently beating him, and forced him back to the mediation site.
North Kyoga regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
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OYAM
A dispute over an alleged affair has ended in tragedy in Oyam district’s Loro town council after a young man died following a clan-ordered disciplinary session.
North Kyoga regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed that the Police in Oyam arrested four suspects in connection with the death of Steven Okello, which occurred on October 5, 2025.
According to Joel Otim, the LC1 chairperson of Barmwony cell, Eastern Ward, Loro town council, the incident arose when Basil Opio complained to a youth clan leader, Wilberforce Ogwoka, that Okello had been having a secret relationship with his wife, Sarah Alweny. Ogwoka convened a meeting at the home of Lucy Akelo to mediate the matter, during which Okello admitted to the allegations and sought forgiveness.
However, the mediation took a fatal turn when Ogwoka demanded shillings 50,000 from Okello, purportedly as a “fine” for those gathered. Okello could not pay immediately and was escorted by John Bosco Ogwang and Innocent Ekom to a nearby home to borrow the money.
During the journey, Okello allegedly tried to leave for a short call. The two men reportedly chased him to a nearby bush, violently beating him, and forced him back to the mediation site. Upon arrival, he collapsed from the injuries sustained and later died.
LC1 chairperson Joel Otim mobilised the community to surround the scene, leading to the arrest of all four suspects, who were handed to Loro town council Police before being transferred to Oyam Central Police Station for investigation.
The arrested individuals include John Bosco Ogwang (24), Innocent Ekom (21), Wilberforce Ogwoka (32), and Sarah Alweny (26), all residents of Barmwony Cell, Eastern Ward. The other people who were at the meeting have fled their homes, including the complainant.
“The death of Steven Okello is a very unfortunate incident,” Okema said, stressing that demanding fines or engaging in vigilante-style punishment is illegal and often ends in tragedy. He urged community members and local leaders to let formal justice mechanisms handle disputes.
The body of the deceased was conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV Mortuary, where a post-mortem is expected to be conducted. Police have registered a case of murder by assault, visited the scene, and documented statements from relevant witnesses.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past. In November last year, a man was killed in Dokolo district following a youth clan disciplinary session, illustrating the recurring dangers of such practices.
Geoffrey Alido, 25, was accused by his parents, Julius Ogwang and Betty Alwedo, of stealing a sack of simsim (worth sh500,000) from their household on November 10th.
Seeking a form of justice within the community, Ogwang and Alwedo reported the theft to the Palamyek clan youth leader, Denis Okello. The clan leader, tasked with keeping order among youth, reportedly assembled a group of young men to address the matter, resulting in a severe beating of Alido that would soon prove fatal.
Local leaders condemned the act. Robert Ekwaro, LC3 Chairperson of Loro Town Council, described the incident as deplorable.
This tragic episode serves as a stern warning against vigilante justice and clan-imposed fines, reminding communities that all disputes must be resolved within the framework of the law to prevent loss of life.