Soroti, Uganda | The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Soroti has once again deferred proceedings in the high-profile case involving the murder of Joan Faith Apio, a six-year-old pupil of Jozan Nursery and Primary School.
The court session, held today, May 2, 2025, via Zoom, was presided over by Magistrate Apollo Kasujja Kibirige.
The matter was adjourned to May 14, 2025, pending confirmation from the Director of Public Prosecutions on whether sufficient evidence exists to commit the suspects to trial.
Both the accused and the complainants were present for the virtual hearing.
Following the adjournment, John Oluma Opolot-the father of the deceased raised fresh concerns about continued threats to his life and the safety of his daughter’s grave.
He told reporters that he has endured four separate incidents in which unknown individuals have attempted to locate the burial site at his home in Akore, Soroti District.
Oluma described living in fear since the burial, recounting how on Easter Monday, a man carrying a suspicious long black bag appeared near his residence.
He suspects the bag may have contained a firearm. On another night, intruders reportedly stole one of his goats in what he believes was a ploy to draw him out of the house.
Fearing for his safety and that of the grave, he now keeps nightly watch over the burial site, hiding in the compound.
The threats have been reported to Akore Police Station and documented under reference SD Ref: 09/26/2025.
Oluma presented the police report to court today as part of his testimony on the ongoing harassment.
The brutal killing of Joan Faith Apio sent shockwaves through Soroti City earlier this year and the fresh threats have reignited public concern over the security of witnesses and victims’ families in murder trials.
