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LIRA - Lira-based businessman Joe Ogwang, who allegedly shot his son dead last week, has denied a manslaughter charge before Lira Chief Magistrates' Court.  

Ogwang, 56, a resident of Ireda Estate in Lira city east division on November 21, 2023, handed himself over to Police after allegedly shooting dead his son, Aron Okello, along Aduku road in Lira city.

The state preferred a charge of manslaughter against Ogwang but he pleaded not guilty on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Samson Abiti Loum.

Through his lawyers, Patrick Okwir from Okwii and Company Advocates and Isaac Omara from Akoko, Job Omara and Company Advocates, the accused applied for bail arguing that it is a constitutional right.

They also argued that the accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The defence presented four sureties: Geoffrey Otwom, a maternal uncle to the accused; Col Rtd Tony Otoa, a clan leader of Abwor to which the accused belongs and businesspersons Joseph Olet Magezi and Jimmy Omara.

The state objects to the bail application

Prosecution led by resident chief state attorney Jonathan Okello objected to the bail application arguing that the case is of extreme violence involving a gun. He said the investigation is still ongoing and the accused might interfere with inquiries.

The attorney submitted further that Otwom did not have a passport-size photo, Otoa and Olet are aged, and Omara has no clear relationship with the accused.

The chief magistrate remanded the accused person to Lira Main Prison till December 1, 2023, when he will be brought back to court for a ruling on the bail application

Son buried

While the father was seeking to be released on bail, the remains of his son were being buried at his ancestral home in Akalo, Kole district.

The funeral ceremony was reportedly attended by several street goons commonly known here as owuwuk who reportedly said they want justice for their kin.

Clan calls for the release of the accused 

The Abwor, the clan to which the accused person belongs, led by the Awitong (clan leader) Col Rtd Tony Otoa held an emergency meeting on November 22, 2023 ‘to handle the incident where Ogwang Joe allegedly shot his son, Okello dead.

According to a copy of the minutes of the meeting accessed by New Vision Online put in the Police file, the clan chief of Abwor in charge of Lira city, informed members present that several attempts were made to bring the deceased to order.

They accused the deceased of misbehaviour including robbery and drug abuse.

The clan pleaded that Ogwang be released since he is the sole proprietor of the business and the one to organise the burial of his son.

According to sources, burial in Lango is the responsibility of the clan members who contribute money and food stuff, cook for mourners on the burial day and other days that mourners continue to turn up to pay their respect.

When contacted for comments after the court adjourned, Otoa said: “All deaths are tragic and regrettable. Judgment before thorough investigation and the characters involved in this tragic death would be premature".