Injured hero: Kitgum medic lauded after confronting armed robber

KITGUM - A 42-year-old medical administrator is nursing injuries sustained while confronting a gunman during a violent robbery at Tipsy Bar in Kitgum Municipality, where an unidentified assailant was later lynched by a mob.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of August 29, 2025, left Bosco Okot injured after he attempted to disarm the robber who had stormed the bar with an AK-47 rifle.

According to witnesses, Okot’s intervention bought time for other revellers to raise the alarm, eventually leading to the assailant being overpowered and beaten to death by a crowd.

“I couldn’t just watch as he pointed the gun at everyone. I tried to grab it, and in the struggle, I got injured, but at least others managed to escape,” Okot recounted from his home, where he is still recovering with police-issued medical forms.

Police recovered the assault rifle, which had 21 rounds of ammunition and was confirmed to have been stolen from Kitgum CPS earlier this month. A cartridge was also retrieved from the scene.

Joe Oloya,, the Aswa East Regional Police Spokesperson, praised Okot’s bravery but warned against mob justice.

“This was a very risky situation, and we commend the courage shown. However, we urge the public to avoid taking the law into their hands and instead hand suspects over for prosecution,” he said.