Police officer, civilian killed in mob action in Oyam
Police officials attribute the rise in mob justice to factors like ignorance of the justice system, lack of trust in law enforcement, and frustrations over perceived judicial leniency. Illustration by Ivan Ssenyonjo
What you need to know:
- The events leading to the violence began when three police personnel, Constables Eric Ojok, Robert Aguta, and John Bosco Naturinda, were deployed to arrest Ambrose Okwir, a suspect in a motorcycle theft case
A tragic incident of mob violence unfolded in Tecik Village, Ngai Sub-county, Oyam District, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and a civilian.
The events leading to the violence began when three police personnel, Constables Eric Ojok, Robert Aguta, and John Bosco Naturinda, were deployed to arrest Ambrose Okwir, a suspect in a motorcycle theft case.
According to Superintendent of Police Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga regional police spokesperson, the police officers were armed with one gun and headed to Tecik Village to effect the arrest.
Upon arrival, they announced their mission to the villagers and attempted to handcuff Okwir. However, the situation quickly escalated as villagers ganged up against the police officers, attempting to disarm them.
During the fracas, a bullet was discharged, fatally injuring one of the villagers, Nelson Ojok Omoding, who died moments later. The mob's anger turned violent, and they attacked the police officers.
Constables Ojok and Aguta managed to flee and were later rescued with injuries, while Naturinda sought refuge at the home of the area LC1 chairman but was "handed over to the mob that lynched him."
The mob's violence did not stop there. They proceeded to Ngai Police Station, vandalising property, including case files, communication equipment, and windows.
They also forcefully released detainees from the cell, allowing three suspects, including two involved in the alleged motorcycle theft, to escape.
Mr Okema confirmed that a murder case has been registered and investigations are ongoing.
"Intelligence teams are currently on the ground, and approximately 15 key suspects have been identified. Arrests are ongoing," he added.
He added that the police are working to recover the missing magazine with 29 rounds of ammunition and restore order in the area.
Mr Okema urged community leaders to support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent future violence.
"We condole with the bereaved families and urge community leaders to work with us to maintain law and order," he said.
The bodies of the deceased officer and civilian were conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV for postmortem examinations.
The latest police annual crime report showed that by the end of 2024, a total of 1,016 cases of murder by mob action were reported to the police compared to 1,039 cases reported in 2023, giving a decrease of 2.2 percent in this crime category.
The report shows that a total of 1,016 persons were lynched, out of whom 1,078 were male adults, and 20 were female adults.
