MP’s campaign manager, nephew killed as gunmen raid Kaabong bar
This picture taken on October 30, 2020 shows IK County MP, Mr Hilary Lokwang who was one of the responders at the scene displaying cartridges from the guns used to shoot Dodoth East MP, Samson Lokeris' nephew and campaign manager in a bar in Kaabong District last evening. COURTESY PHOTO
What you need to know:
IK County MP, Mr Hilary Lokwang who was one of the responders at the scene said the assailants singled out only two people from his Dodoth East counterpart, Samson Lokeris' camp
Police and the army have launched a joint investigation into the murder of Dodoth East MP Samson Lokeris’ nephew and campaign manager who were killed last evening when armed men raided a bar in Kaabong District.
The 9pm attack has paralysed business in Komuria west in Kaabong town council.
The Ik County MP, Mr Hilary Lokwang who was one of the first responders when the shooting happened, told this reporter that the assailants raided a bar where patrons were drinking while watching the 9 O’clock news bulletin before opening fire.
“Two armed men just emerged from nowhere showering these boys with bullets. The two boys who were killed were among patrons who were just drinking beer and watching NTV news of 9 O’clock.,” he said.
According to the MP, one of the patrons identified as Didi Lokeris tried to run and hide behind the bar counter but the assailants reportedly followed him and shot him.
Mr Lokwang said the killing could have been politically motivated, adding that the assailants singled out only people in the group.
“No one is safe anymore in Kaabong District. We are concerned about the growing insecurity in Karamoja sub region. This is what we have been talking about on the floor of Parliament,” he said.
Mr Lokwang appealed to the army to intensify their intelligence and patrols in the district, arguing that the situation was getting out of hand.
When contacted, MP Lokeris confirmed that the victims are related to him.
He said Didi Lokeris is a son of his deceased brother while the other shooting victim he identified as John Bosco Lotyang is his campaign manager.
“Didi graduated with a degree in environmental health and he was still looking for a job. I got several warnings from some people saying something wrong was going to happen in my camp but I didn’t take it serious. I’m following it seriously and I will know what to do next," Mr Lokeris said.
Dodoth East MP Samson Lokeris
Major Peter Mugisa, the UPDF 3rd division spokesperson confirmed the shooting and said they had launched a joint investigation to apprehend the assailants and establish their motive.
“We are going to investigate this and if it’s true that it’s connected with politics then it’s unfortunate and will not be tolerated,” he said.
The shooting comes barely three days after armed warriors raided the home of Mr Lokwang but left without injuring anyone.
