Soroti murder probe: Second wife of key suspect arrested with ammunition

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Police have arrested the second wife of the prime suspect in the murder of a mobile money agent in Soroti city and recovered 12 bullets from her home, deepening investigations into the Good Friday killing.

Authorities did not disclose the woman’s identity, but her arrest brings the total number of suspects in custody to 12 over the murder of Patricia Kokunda.

The main suspect, David Emenyu, a resident of Akaikai in Arapai, Soroti district, is accused of fatally shooting Kokunda on April 3, 2026.

The suspected killer, David Emenyu alias Olipong holding the gun he used to kill Patricia Kokunda. (Credit: Police)

According to the Kyoga East Regional Police Commander, Ibrahim Saiga, Emenyu is married to three women, two of whom have now been arrested in connection with the case.

Other suspects in custody include Salume Akello, also identified as Emenyu’s wife, Simon Epeu alias Iboda, Emmanuel Okello alias Imoning, Rashid Eyamu alias Odekuro, and Alfred Elacu, who is suspected of having supplied the ammunition. Elacu’s wife, Hellen Akello, is also among those detained.

Additional suspects are Julius Elwanu, Felix Onebo, Alex Okello, and Jorem Ojele alias Jogo.

RPC Saiga confirmed that all the suspects have been transferred to the Criminal Investigations Directorate headquarters in Kampala for further interrogation.

Following his arrest, Emenyu reportedly admitted to shooting Kokunda, who left behind five orphaned children.

Patricia Kokunda, the mobile money agent in Soroti city who was fatally shot and killed. (Courtesy photo)

Police say they have since recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the killing, sh10.5 million suspected to be proceeds of the crime, a motorcycle used in the operation, additional ammunition, and the jacket Emenyu allegedly wore on the day of the attack.

The suspects are expected to face charges of aggravated robbery and murder. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the case will be handled in a civilian court or a court martial.

Background of the case

The breakthrough came with the arrest of the suspected gunman, Emenyu, also known as Olipong. He was tracked down in Abim district, where he had reportedly gone into hiding.

Upon his arrest, Emenyu led detectives back to Akaikai village in Arapai, Soroti district, where he had concealed the weapon.

Recovered was a rifle, identified by serial number CC6594M, believed to have been sourced from South Sudan. The gun was found with an empty magazine.

Other items recovered include a motorcycle allegedly used in the attack, clothing worn during the crime, and sh3.5 million suspected to be part of the stolen money.

In total, police say sh10.5 million has now been recovered.

The arrests have so far brought the number of suspects in custody to 11, with five key individuals directly linked to the killing. Authorities say they are continuing to interrogate them to establish each person’s role.

However, questions remain. Police sources indicate concern that the recovered firearm had only three bullets accounted for.

“No armed robber exhausts all ammunition in a single mission,” said a detective who requested anonymity. “We believe there is more information they are withholding.” The Wednesday arrest of another suspect with bullets confirms that the assailants had more than three bullets in the gun that morning.

Investigators are also exploring possible links to an earlier shooting involving another mobile money agent in Soroti’s Senior Quarters, where attackers escaped with more than sh3 million.

A pattern of violence

The killing of Kokunda adds to a troubling pattern. While Uganda’s 2025 Annual Crime Report shows a slight drop in robbery cases from 8,163 in 2024 to 7,864 in 2025, murders involving firearms rose by 1.1 percent.

Emmanuel Okello alias Imorning (L) and Rashid Eyamu alias Odekuro (R) who are alleged to have masterminded the deal and Simon Epeu alias Iboda who pulled the lady out of the car. (Credit: Police)

Police recorded 190 deaths from shooting incidents last year, with the majority of victims being adult males. However, cases involving female victims, like Kokunda, highlight the growing vulnerability of civilians engaged in cash-based businesses.

Even more concerning is the widespread use of lethal weapons. Out of 7,863 aggravated robberies reported, 6,546 involved firearms, knives, machetes, or hammers.

A city on edge

Back in Soroti, the shock still lingers. For many mobile money operators, Kokunda’s killing is a grim reminder of the risks they face daily handling cash in a system where digital security has not fully replaced physical transactions.

Police are urging the public to remain vigilant. “The public should report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station,” Saiga advised.

But for Kokunda’s children, vigilance comes too late. Their mother left home before sunrise, chasing opportunity. She never made it back.