Six held over Lira watchman killed by a mob

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LIRA – Police in Lira City are investigating a gruesome mob killing in which Andrew Ogwal, a father of nine, was beaten to death by a mob linking him to the theft of a goat.

North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, says the incident occurred on the morning of June 4, 2025, along Mukwano Road in the Industrial Area of Lira City East Division.

Ogwal, a security guard at Concern Parents Association, was accused of being in possession of a he-goat marked "E.G." belonging to a well-known local trader, Dorcus Akite, a trader in Umoja Market.

However, as he headed to the market with the goat, he was intercepted by a group at Beb Wine Industry who accused him of theft. They proceeded to beat him severely, dragging him up to Arak Farm Industry, where they eventually abandoned him.

Due to the extent of his injuries, Ogwal was unable to move. He was later found by relatives and rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds the following morning, June 5, 2025.

Police have since arrested six suspects identified as:  Ronald Okello, Hussein Azi (a Pakistani national), Sam Elonge, Junior Kabugo, and Sarah Akello.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Akite sold the same goat to Azi on May 30. It's believed that, unaware of the transaction, the deceased had attempted to return the "stray goat” to Akite.  

The deceased, a father of nine, was a resident of Omito in Lira City West Division. His death has drawn outrage from local leaders.

“He was a responsible elderly person who should not have been killed in such a manner,” said Joseph Olet Magezi, a clan leader and neighbour.

Walter Ongom, the NRM LC1 flag bearer for Atodi Cell, described Ogwal as humble, honest, and politically active. “He even voted for me in the last NRM interparty election,” he added.

This incident adds to growing concern over a rising wave of mob justice in the Lango sub-region. Just last week, nine people were killed under similar circumstances over petty allegations, including theft and infidelity.