Oyam, Uganda | Police in Oyam District are investigating a case of arson and malicious damage to property after an angry mob torched several houses in a land dispute linked to a community grazing ground.
The incident occurred on February 19, 2026, at about 2:00pm in Bar Cell, Eastern Ward, Oyam Town Council. It was reported to Oyam Central Police Station (CPS) later that evening by Abang Catherine, 75, a resident of the area.
According to police, a mob from neighbouring Puga and Atek Cells descended on the homes of Abang Catherine, Omara Innocent, Otyam Solomon and other yet-to-be-identified residents.
The attackers allegedly set the houses ablaze and destroyed property, accusing the victims of unlawfully taking over a communal grazing land and converting it into farmland.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP PJ Okema said a case of arson and malicious damage to property had been registered at Oyam CPS.
He added that statements had been recorded from witnesses to aid investigations and that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved.
The District Police Commander (DPC) Oyam, together with detectives and the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), visited and documented the scene.
In a bid to restore calm, the DPC and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Oyam engaged community members and urged them to exercise restraint and allow lawful processes to resolve the dispute.
Okema further stated that the police strongly discouraged acts of violence and destruction of property and advised members of the public to channel their grievances through lawful and peaceful means as investigations continued.
No arrests had been made by press time, investigations are ongoing.
