Three arrested over woman's murder at Lira Guest House

LIRA - Police in Lira City have detained three people, including the prime suspect in the murder of a woman at a local guest house in April this year.

The decomposing body of an unidentified woman was discovered inside a locked room at Providence Guest House in Lira City.

According to North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, Patrick Jimmy Okema, detectives have been following leads since the discovery of the body on 30th April 2025.

The victim was identified as Betty Angom, who was strangled on 28th April.

Okema identified the suspects as Walter Oyuku, Sarah Akello, and Oscar Owino, alias Oscar Akwanga.

The case first came to light after workers at Providence Guest House, located on Oyite Ojok Lane, reported a foul smell emanating from one of the rooms. 

When they forced open the door to Room 03 on 30th April, they found a woman’s decomposing body lying on the bed.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim believed to be in her 50s, had checked in with a young man on the evening of 28th April. 

The man, later identified as Walter Oyuku, had earlier paid Sh12,000 for the room and left with the key. 

He returned late that night with the woman and, in the early hours of the morning, left again—after giving the staff an advance payment for another night and instructing them not to enter the room, claiming it contained valuables.

Days later, staff made the gruesome discovery. The proprietor, Tom Akaa, confirmed the staff made the gruesome discovery days later.

Investigators believe the woman may have been a trader visiting Lira on business and could have been carrying a substantial amount of cash. Police suspected from the outset that the murder may have been motivated by robbery under the guise of a romantic encounter.

The North Kyoga Police launched a full investigation, led by homicide and Scene of Crime officers. Exhibits were collected, and blood samples were sent for forensic analysis at the Government Analytical Laboratory.

The breakthrough came with the arrest of Oscar Owino on 2nd June. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the crime, prompting police to detain him and the other two suspects.

“The file has now been compiled and submitted to the Resident Chief State Attorney for perusal and legal advice,” said Okema. 

“We continue to assure the public of our commitment to ensuring that justice is served.”
The case has reignited concerns over guest house safety and the vulnerability of travelling women traders in the region.