Pallisa, Uganda– A witchdoctor, identified as George William Malinga, was found dead, hanging from a mango tree at the home of one of the suspects, triggering a series of arrests and mob retaliation in the district.
Thirty suspects, including Francis Okello, Rashid Omaido Edrisa, Edrisa Omaido Junior, Peter Odongo, Hadson Opolot and Francis Odongo, among others were detained on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in connection with the gruesome murder.
Moses Kitiyo Mwanga, the Bukedi North Regional Police Commander, revealed that a police sniffer dog led officers to the home of one of the suspects, Rashid Omaido Edrisa, further implicating those already in custody.
The suspects are currently held at Pallisa Central Police Station under case number CRB 007/2025 as investigations continue.
Malinga’s body was taken to Pallisa Hospital for a postmortem examination, with police vowing to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a dramatic turn of events, relatives and supporters of the deceased stormed the home of Francis Okello, destroying property in a violent retaliation with houses set ablaze, crops slashed down and animals killed in the ensuing chaos.
Police condemned the mob action, warning those involved in the destruction of property that they would be identified and brought to justice.
“Taking the law into your own hands is unacceptable. We will arrest and prosecute those responsible for this retaliation,” said Kitiyo Mwanga.
The incident has left the community reeling, with tensions running high.
Local leaders are calling for calm as the investigations proceed.
