Oyam, Uganda – A Christmas morning tragedy has shocked Abilonyero B Village, Kulakula Parish, Ngai Sub-county, Oyam District, after Sam Okello, 30, was fatally stabbed in a domestic dispute.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 25th December 2024 and involved Margaret Akello, the second wife of Moses Alunga, a police officer attached to Lira Central Police Station.
According to Edward Abura, the LC1 chairperson of Abilonyero B Village, Okello had gone to Akello’s home to drink locally brewed waragi.
However, a heated argument broke out, culminating in Akello allegedly stabbing him with a knife.
The victim was rushed to Anyeke Health Centre IV, where he was pronounced dead. A postmortem has been scheduled.
Okello, a mason by trade, was a member of the Abori Omor Ikidi clan, one of the prominent clans in Lango. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
Known for his skills in construction, Okello had undergone Blocklaying & Concrete Practices (BCP) training.
Following the incident, an enraged mob stormed Alunga’s homestead, destroying two huts, a seven-room permanent house, and other structures.
The LC1 chairperson confirmed that tensions were high as the community expressed their anger over the killing.
Ngai Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Jimmy Dolo Anywar condemned the killing, linking it to unresolved disputes between Okello and Akello.
He revealed that the disagreements had previously been reported to the police. Anywar urged law enforcement to address such cases promptly, warning that delays often escalate tensions in communities.
ASP Job Mutageke, the Oyam District Police Commander, confirmed the incident and the suspect’s arrest.
Akello was initially detained at Ngai Police Station before being transferred to Oyam Central Police Station for her safety.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” Mutageke said.
Authorities have called for calm as they investigate the matter. “This is a painful reminder of the importance of conflict resolution and timely intervention in domestic disputes,” said Anywar.
Okello’s death has left the village grieving, with residents urging authorities to ensure justice is served.
The incident has also reignited calls for stronger community policing and improved mechanisms to address disputes before they turn fatal.
