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Retired soldier shot dead in Lamwo

The incident came to light the following morning when Denis Toolit, who had gone to harvest beans near the deceased's home, discovered the body lying in a pool of blood. He raised an alarm, attracting other community members.

Community members watching in shock after the body of the deceased was discovered in a pool of blood at his home. (Photo by Vincent Kaguta)
By: Vincent Kaguta, Journalist @New Vision

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The Police in Lamwo District are investigating the suspected murder of a 68-year-old retired soldier, who was found dead in a pool of blood outside his home in Padibe Town Council.

The deceased, identified as Dicken Luteny, was discovered in front of his grass-thatched house in Ngomoromo South Cell, Gang Dyang Ward, under unclear circumstances.

Police investigations indicate that the shooting occurred at night after residents reportedly heard a gunshot from the direction of the deceased's home at about 9:30pm.

James Okot, a resident of Lupwa Konya Village, told police that he was seated with his family in their compound when they heard the gunshot.

The incident came to light the following morning when Denis Toolit, who had gone to harvest beans near the deceased's home, discovered the body lying in a pool of blood. He raised an alarm, attracting other community members, before the matter was reported to police at about 9:30am.

Padibe Town Council Chairperson Wilfred Otema said the killing had shocked residents, particularly because the deceased was not known to have had disputes with anyone in the community.

Otema said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear, calling for thorough investigations to establish the motive and bring those responsible to justice.

Boniface Odoch, a resident of Padibe, expressed concern over the murder and questioned how a firearm reportedly belonging to the army or the police could be used to kill a civilian.

Odoch called on the Government and security authorities to strengthen accountability among armed personnel and ensure that individuals entrusted with firearms are held responsible for their use.

Pamela Atto, another resident of the area, also demanded investigations into the source of the firearm, saying civilians should not lose their lives through the misuse of weapons meant to protect them.

Police officers from Lamwo Central Police Station visited the scene, documented evidence, recorded statements from witnesses and searched the surrounding area.

However, no cartridge or other exhibits linked to the suspected murder weapon had been recovered during the initial investigations. The body was subsequently transferred to Padibe Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination.

North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema, who is also the acting spokesperson of Aswa East and Aswa West policing region, said investigations were ongoing, adding that the motive behind the killing remains unknown and no arrests had been made.

He appealed to members of the public with information that could help identify the suspect to share it with police confidentially. Police said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder.

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Tags:
Lamwo district
Murder
Police
Crime