Lira, Uganda – The territorial police in Lira District are investigating the sudden deaths of two juveniles and the subsequent mob killings of two individuals in Ayere Village, Acutkumu Parish, Ayami Sub-County.
The tragic events unfolded on December 19, 2024, at around 10:00 a.m.
The deceased juveniles have been identified as Ocuku Raymond (16), a Primary 6 pupil and Ocwa Abel (11), a Primary 3 pupil, both of Acutkumu Primary School.
Preliminary reports indicate they consumed cassava chips allegedly given to them by Ojok Martin on December 18, which led to severe stomach pain and vomiting.
Ocuku died en route to the hospital, while Ocwa passed away upon arrival at Gift Life Care Clinic in Lira City.
In a related incident, an angry mob targeted individuals suspected of involvement in the boys’ deaths.
Two suspects, Akullo Janet and Lingo Sam alias Ajari, were beaten to death. Another suspect, Ojok Martin, was rescued by police and is currently receiving treatment at Ogur Health Center IV. Two other suspects, Okol Omara and Ojok David, remain at large.
The violent mob also injured D/ASP Achora Molly, the acting District CID officer, who was rushed to Good Samaritan Medical Center for treatment.
Police led by senior officers, including the acting DPC and RDC Lira, documented the scene, recorded witness statements and transported all four bodies to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem.
SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO North Kyoga, strongly condemned the mob action and urged calm from the public.
“Taking the law into your own hands is unacceptable. We call on the public to support investigations to ensure justice is served,” he stated.
Police emphasized that scientific findings will determine the cause of the boys’ deaths and vowed to prosecute those involved in the mob violence.
