Nebbi Murder Suspect Arrested

Jan 19, 2004

THE luck of a suspected criminal, who has been on the run for 10 years, ran out recently when he was arrested and charged with murder and robbery in Nebbi district.

By Frank Mugabi
THE luck of a suspected criminal, who has been on the run for 10 years, ran out recently when he was arrested and charged with murder and robbery in Nebbi district.
Charles Oyirwoth, alias Jackson Balizuka, suspected to have killed Erussi LC3 chairperson Kerali and his wife Jabia in 1996, was arrested in Masindi district on January 11 after attempting to escape from jail.
Nebbi CID chief Clix Onencan said the suspect had been on the wanted list since 1990.
Last November Masindi Police arrested Oyirwoth in Kirasa village over suspected arson.
He said the suspect was transferred to Nebbi on January 11 after security operatives discovered he was a fugitive.
Onencan said Oyirwoth had been re-arrested after attempting to escape from Masindi Prison.
He also faces charges of arson and attempted escape from prison.
Sources said Oyirwoth was a soldier during the Obote II regime (1980-85), but turned to crime upon his return from exile in Zambia in 1990.
A son of a reverend and resident of Parwat village in Erussi sub-county, Oyirwoth relocated to Palara in DRCongo where he engaged in cross-border robbery, a source said.
However, he escaped to Masindi where he has been living under the name of Jackson Balizuka.
He was charged in Nebbi Magistrates Court on January 12.
However, his case has been referred to Arua High Court. Hearing is set for January 27.
Ends

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