Apac, Uganda – A disturbing case of mob violence has shaken Awilabongo Village in Amun Parish, Apoi Sub-County, Apac District, where a man identified as Okello Patrick lost his life after being beaten by members of the community.
According to a report filed by Bongonyinge Moses, 46, the Local Council II Chairperson of Amun Parish, the incident occurred in the early morning hours of April 7, 2025, at around 6:00 a.m.
The deceased, Okello Patrick, was reportedly apprehended by local residents and violently assaulted until he succumbed to his injuries.
The territorial police command in Apac District swiftly launched investigations into the matter, treating the incident as a case of murder by mob action.
A homicide team, alongside a Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) from Apac Central Police Station, visited the scene to collect forensic evidence and assess the circumstances surrounding the brutal act.
Following preliminary investigations, police arrested three individuals suspected to have taken part in the assault.
The suspects have been identified as:
1. Akaki Denis, 17 years old, resident of Awilabongo Village, Amun Parish.
2. Okello Walter, 36 years old, resident of the same locality.
3. Opeto Ambrose, 26 years old, also from Awilabongo Cell in Amun Parish.
The body of the deceased was subjected to a postmortem examination before being handed over to the family for burial.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) PJ Okema, expressed strong condemnation of the act, warning the public against taking justice into their own hands.
“This kind of behavior—where people believe they can act outside the law—has no place in a civilized society,” said SP Okema. “Mob justice not only undermines the rule of law but directly contravenes Article 22 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which guarantees the right to life.”
He further stressed that the suspects will face the full force of the law and called on the community to allow lawful institutions to handle criminal allegations.
Police urged the public to refrain from mob actions and instead report incidents to the appropriate authorities for legal redress.
Investigations into the case are ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and statements from witnesses.
As Apac District reels from the tragic loss of life, law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that justice is served in accordance with the law.
