Two arrested in Oyam as Police probe separate mob killings in Lira city

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Police in Oyam district say they have arrested two suspects in connection with the brutal killing of a man in Oyam town council, as authorities also investigate a separate case of mob justice that claimed another life in Lira city. These are incidents that have renewed concern over rising violent crime in the region.

According to North Kyoga Police region spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema, the suspects, Richard Okello (35) and Sam Atim alias Ajai (30), are accused of murdering Ambrose Omara, a resident of Te Kullu Cell, Eastern Ward, Oyam Town Council.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of December 25, 2025, in Te Duka Cell, Eastern Ward. Police say they received a distress call at about 7:30 am from a woman identified only as Sarah, alerting authorities to a body lying in a garden along the Ngai Road.

Oyam district Police commander (DPC) Francis Okongo, together with the District CID officer, detectives, a canine unit and Scene of Crime Officers, immediately visited the scene. The body was later identified by Scovia Ajuanga as that of her brother, Ambrose Omara.

Preliminary findings indicate that the body was found a few metres off the road near an unfinished building, with signs suggesting the victim may have been attacked elsewhere before being dragged to the location.

A police sniffer dog later led investigators to the home of Richard Okello, about 50 metres from the scene, where he was arrested.

Police further revealed that Okello’s wife, Janet Akullu, told investigators that in the early hours of the same morning, her husband had been called out by Sam Atim alias Ajai, a man reportedly known in the area, claiming he was being pursued by police. Investigators suspect this may be linked to the killing, though inquiries are ongoing.

A case of murder has since been registered at Oyam Police Station, statements have been recorded from relatives and neighbours, and the body of the deceased was conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV Mortuary for postmortem examination.

Separate Mob Justice Case in Lira City

In a related development, Police in Lira city's west division are investigating a case of mob justice that occurred in the early hours of December 24, 2025, at Akitenino Cell, Omito Ward.

According to the Police, an alarm was raised by unknown individuals claiming they were under attack by suspected thieves along the Lango College–Omito Road. Members of the public responded, apprehended an unidentified adult male, and later beat him to death.

The body was discovered at about 6:30 am by the area LC chairperson, who alerted the Police. Officers led by D/ASP Phoebe Nansereko, the Division CID Officer, visited and documented the scene before transferring the body to Lira City Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examination.

Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased sustained multiple injuries. Exhibits believed to have been used during the assault were recovered, and police documentation, including PF48A and PF48B forms, was completed. Investigations to identify the deceased and apprehend those responsible are ongoing.

Condemning the incidents, Okema strongly warned against acts of mob justice, urging the public to report suspected criminal activity to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.

“As a region, we strongly condemn mob justice. The public must allow police to handle suspects lawfully so that justice can prevail,” he said.

Police continue to appeal for calm and cooperation as investigations into both cases progress.