Lira, Uganda | Police in Lira City are investigating the circumstances under which a middle-aged man was found dead on a railway line in Lira City East Division, raising fresh concerns about unexplained deaths in the area.
The deceased has been identified as Otim Geoffrey, 54, a peasant farmer and resident of Agenga Cell, Anyomorem Ward.
His body was discovered on the morning of January 6, two days after he reportedly left home to go fishing in Okole Swamp and never returned.
Police said the incident was reported to Ngeta Police Station shortly after the discovery by the area Local Council I chairperson.
Officers, together with scene of crime experts, documented the area and took statements from relatives and local leaders before transferring the body to the mortuary for postmortem examination.
The North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, said investigators have opened a murder case against unknown persons as they work to establish whether the death resulted from criminal activity or other causes.
“The circumstances under which the deceased ended up on the railway line are still unclear,” police said, adding that inquiries are focusing on the man’s movements prior to his disappearance.
Residents of Anyomorem Ward expressed shock at the discovery, with some calling for increased patrols around isolated areas, including swamps and railway corridors, which are often deserted.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding Otim’s death to report to the nearest police station as investigations continue.
