Lira, Uganda – Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Lira City Lawrence Egole has condemned the brutal murder of Akello Hellen, vowing that security forces will dismantle the criminal network behind her killing and the shocking counterfeit dollar syndicate uncovered in the aftermath.
Speaking at Akello Hellen’s burial on March 3 in Anyangapuc Ward, Egole reassured mourners that justice will be served.
“Lira will not be a haven for criminals. We have arrested three suspects already, and investigations are ongoing. No one will escape the arm of the law,” he declared.
The gruesome murder, which occurred on February 24, 2025, at Corner Boroboro in Container Village, Lira City East Division, has unraveled a complex web of financial crime.
Among those arrested is Oyuru Moses, the deceased’s husband, alongside Okello Denis and Atyang Barbra.
SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Police Spokesperson, confirmed that during a search of Oyuru Moses’ residence, authorities recovered counterfeit U.S. dollars worth $40,300 and UGX 7.95 million in fake Ugandan currency, all in 50,000-shilling notes.
Also seized were fake gold, a gold-weighing scale and a hedgehog skin-items linked to suspected fraud operations.
Police believe that the murder may have stemmed from a dispute over money.
Forensic experts recovered three bullet cartridges and a projectile from the crime scene, which have been sent for ballistic analysis.
Additionally, mobile phones belonging to the suspects and the victim were confiscated to trace communications that could expose the extent of the criminal network.
SP Okema further revealed that Atyang Barbra was arrested on March 1 after allegedly stealing UGX 1.9 million from the deceased moments after the shooting.
A search of her house led to the recovery of UGX 220,000 stained with suspected blood, the victim’s handbag, keys, and a polythene bag used to bury the stolen money.
The stained cash has been sent for forensic testing.
Authorities are now working closely with the Bank of Uganda and the U.S. Embassy to verify the counterfeit currency, fueling suspicions that the operation could be part of a larger fraud network.
Security forces are also hunting for the murder weapon and other possible accomplices.
RCC Egole emphasized that authorities are determined to root out organized crime in Lira City.
“This case is bigger than just one murder-it has exposed a syndicate of financial fraud. We are going after every individual involved,” he said.
Local leaders and residents have expressed outrage over the revelations, urging authorities to intensify surveillance against organized crime.
SP Okema urged the public to report any suspicious activities that could help in the ongoing investigation.