Man dies after night out with two women in Oyam
The deceased, Christopher Oyuku, died at Aboke Health Centre IV after sustaining injuries in what police suspect was a violent assault on him on the night of July 4, 2026.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said investigations have so far led to the arrest of Teddy Abila, while Peter Ogwang, Emmanuel Akena, Ketty and Ocen remain on the run. (Credit: (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
OYAM - Police in Oyam District have arrested one suspect and launched a manhunt for four others over the alleged murder of a man believed to have been attacked after spending an evening out with two women.
The deceased, Christopher Oyuku, died at Aboke Health Centre IV after sustaining injuries in what police suspect was a violent assault on him on the night of July 4, 2026.
According to preliminary police investigations, Oyuku had been in a romantic relationship with a woman identified only as Ketty.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said investigations have so far led to the arrest of Teddy Abila, while Peter Ogwang, Emmanuel Akena, Ketty and Ocen remain on the run.
Police said that on July 3, Ketty accompanied Oyuku to Tegacia Trading Centre, where he (Oyuku) had gone to sell milk. After completing his business, the pair reportedly went to a local bar, where they were later joined by Abila, a married woman.
Police said witnesses later saw Ogwang, believed to be Ketty's son, and Akena following the trio along the same route.
"A short while later, Oyuku was found lying unconscious by the roadside, while Abila and Ketty had disappeared from the scene, raising immediate suspicion," Okema said during a press briefing on Monday.
Oyuku was rushed to Aboke Health Centre IV, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life.
His brother, Stephen Otim, reported the incident to Loro Town Council Police Station, prompting detectives to open a murder by assault case.
Police visited and documented the crime scene, recorded statements from witnesses, conducted a post-mortem examination and later handed the body over to relatives for burial.
"Abila has been arrested to assist with investigations, while efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the remaining suspects," Okema said.
Rising murder cases
The latest killing comes amid growing concern over an increase in murder cases across the North Kyoga Region, many of them linked to domestic disputes, love gone bad, alcohol consumption, mob justice and minor misunderstandings.
Last week, police reported six murders within a single week across the districts of Kwania, Apac, Oyam and Lira.
The cases included fatal domestic violence, assaults at drinking places, mob justice over alleged theft and attacks arising from personal disputes, prompting police to describe the trend as deeply worrying and to call for greater tolerance and lawful resolution of conflicts.
Police have intensified community policing, public sensitisation campaigns and intelligence-led operations across North Kyoga in an effort to curb violent crime.
The incident also reflects a wider national challenge. According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, murder remains one of the country's most serious violent offences despite ongoing crime prevention efforts.