Man attempting to identify bike thief dies after drinking concoction during 'prayers'
Police have since identified a man known as Emmanuel, from Kaberamaido district, as a suspect, and investigations into his role and that of others involved are ongoing.
North Kyoga region Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema says the incident was reported on January 20, 2026, at about 9:00pm at Akura Police Station.
ALEBTONG - Alebtong district Police are investigating the sudden death of a 47-year-old man following an informal prayer gathering.
North Kyoga region Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema says the incident was reported on January 20, 2026, at about 9:00pm at Akura Police Station.
The report was made by Ayo Jimmy, 33, a peasant from Ayano Village in Barr sub-county, Lira district.
The deceased has been identified as Sam Ayo Kundu, a peasant and resident of Ayamo Village, Ayomo Parish, Barr sub-county.
Preliminary Police findings indicate that in December 2025, Stephen Opio, also known as Okii, a resident of Agira village in Alebtong district, reportedly lost his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle from his home.
Instead of formally reporting the loss to the Police, he allegedly opted to involve members of the community in a prayer session aimed at identifying the person responsible.
On January 19, 2026, Opio is said to have invited a group from Kalaki district to conduct prayers at his home.
During the gathering, participants reportedly consumed a beverage prepared at the venue, and certain symbolic activities were carried out as part of the session.
Following the prayers, several participants reportedly developed unusual symptoms, including excessive drowsiness.
Three individuals: Kenneth Odwar, Omara Akato and Sam Ayo Kundu, were particularly affected. The condition of Sam Ayo Kundu reportedly worsened while he was still at Opio’s residence, where he later collapsed and died.
Police have since identified a man known as Emmanuel, from Kaberamaido district, as a suspect, and investigations into his role and that of others involved are ongoing.
Officers visited and documented the scene, opened a case file ALEBTONG DEF:003/2026, and conveyed the body to Alebtong Health Centre IV Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Preliminary observations suggest that participants joined the prayer gathering voluntarily and that some local leaders were aware of, or had tacitly allowed, the activity to take place.
Police say investigations are continuing to establish the exact cause of death, including any substances consumed, and to determine individual responsibility where applicable.
Authorities have appealed to communities to report cases of theft or disputes to the police rather than resorting to informal practices, noting that such approaches complicate investigations and accountability.