Three suspects held over Gulu University lab technician's murder
Police reiterated that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
Patrick Jimmy Okema, the acting police spokesperson for Aswa West region. (File)
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Security forces in Gulu city have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Christopher Nyeko, a laboratory technician at Gulu University.
Nyeko was murdered on May 22, 2026, in Laroo Forest cell, Pece-Laroo division, Gulu city.
Police in Aswa West region, working with Gulu Central Police Station and other security agencies, arrested the suspects on October 23, 2026, following intelligence-led investigations.
The suspects have been identified as Alex Okwera, 30, Innocent Latim, 27, and Ronald Kinyera, 20.
Patrick Jimmy Okema, the acting police spokesperson for Aswa West region, said that during a joint investigation, Okwera allegedly made an incriminating statement in his charge-and-caution statement, admitting to masterminding the murder and implicating the two co-suspects and two other individuals who remain at large.
Crime scene reconstruction and legal process
On October 28, 2026, the lead suspect guided a team of police officers, led by the district police commander (DPC) of Gulu Central Police Station, to the alleged crime scene for reconstruction. The scene of crime officer (SOCO) documented the exercise.
Okema said the case file had been compiled and was scheduled for submission to the Resident Chief State Attorney (RSA) on October 29, 2026, for perusal, legal advice and a decision on whether to sanction the case for prosecution.
Police reiterated that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend the remaining suspects”, said Okema.
The arrests have brought a measure of relief to residents of Laroo Forest cell and members of the Gulu University community, although grief and calls for justice remain.
Residents said they had lived in fear since the killing and urged security agencies to crack down on criminal gangs in Pece-Laroo division.
"We have been living in terror since May, wondering who among us was next. While we appreciate the police for arresting these three, we want to see full justice served in courts of law, not just arrests," said Martin Okello, a resident of Laroo Forest cell.
Staff at Gulu University described the late Nyeko as a dedicated and peaceful professional whose death had left a significant gap in the laboratory department.
"Christopher was a calm gentleman who dedicated his life to serving students and researchers. Hearing that suspects have finally been arrested brings some comfort to the university community, but we pray the remaining culprits on the run are also brought to book quickly," shared Anna Aneno, one of the fellow staff members at the university.
Local leaders in Pece-Laroo division urged police to intensify night patrols, particularly in poorly lit areas and forested sections near Laroo, to help prevent similar violent crimes.