Ex-wife arrested over murder of Agago mobile money operator
According to security officials, preliminary investigations suggest that Ochana was allegedly killed by hired gunmen reportedly contracted by his former wife following a bitter separation.
Investigations into Ochana's killing are ongoing.
AGAGO - Security authorities in Agago district have arrested the former wife of slain mobile money operator Morish Ochana, who was gunned down last week in Kalongo town council, in a case that has intensified concerns over rising gun violence in the Acholi sub-region.
According to security officials, preliminary investigations suggest that Ochana was allegedly killed by hired gunmen reportedly contracted by his former wife following a bitter separation.
Investigators say three suspects arrested in connection with the shooting told interrogators that they had been hired by the woman to carry out the killing.
Security reports indicate that Ochana separated from the suspect about nine months ago before marrying another woman, a relationship that also later ended.
He said the suspect is being held as investigations continue.
Kidega said community members had previously reported hearing the prime suspect, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, make remarks suggesting that "they would all become widows."
The RDC also criticised residents for failing to intervene when the shooting occurred.
"If the community had acted as brothers' keepers, the killers could have been arrested immediately after the shooting," he said.
Rising gun violence
Ochana's killing comes amid a surge in gun-related violence across the Acholi sub-region over the past three months.
The escalating violence has fuelled fear among residents, many of whom accuse security agencies of failing to effectively address the growing insecurity.
Among the recent incidents was a deadly attack at the LT Patrol Station in Laliya, Gulu city, where a security guard was shot dead. Another person struck by a stray bullet later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Other shootings have been reported in Awach subcounty in Gulu district, Koch Ongako subcounty in Omoro district and, most recently, Kalongo town council.
Security officials cite intelligence gaps
Speaking during a recent visit to the Acholi sub-region, Lt Col (Rtd) Ambako Kibrai, senior presidential advisor on mobilisation to the RDC Secretariat and former regional internal security officer for Northern Uganda, attributed the continued wave of gun violence to weak intelligence gathering.
He accused key security officials, including RDCs, district police commanders, criminal investigations department officers and district internal security officers, of failing in their intelligence responsibilities.
"Criminals do not operate in areas they do not know. They attack places where they have connections or support networks," Ambako said.
He directed security agencies in the region to recover all illegal firearms being used to terrorise communities, warning that officers who fail to act risk being treated as accomplices.
Ambako was in Acholi last week to monitor government projects and service delivery.
During his visit, residents expressed frustration that persistent insecurity was hindering their participation in socio-economic development activities.
Investigations into Ochana's killing are ongoing.