Otuke/Oyam, Uganda | Valentine’s Day 2026 ended in tragedy for communities in Lango, where two separate killings were reported in Otuke District and Oyam District, prompting police manhunts and concerns over rising violence linked to clan enforcement and domestic disputes.
In Otuke District, 53-year-old Obalang Francis of Agweng Village, Atira Parish, died following an alleged assault by fellow clan members.
Police say the incident occurred after he failed to arrive on time for a scheduled clan meeting on 14 February 2026.
The men assigned to escort him allegedly beat him, causing him to lose consciousness.
He was transported by motorcycle to the meeting venue and laid aside, with no attempt to seek medical attention.
By the time he was checked again, he was unresponsive.
The suspects fled the scene and remain at large.
Police have documented the scene, recorded witness statements, and conveyed the body to a Health Centre IV for postmortem examination, as investigations continue.
In Oyam District, 23-year-old Atwongo Dilishi died in a house fire at her marital home in Anyomu “C” Village, Abok Sub-county.
Her husband, 27-year-old Okwir Bonny, is the main suspect and remains missing.
Police report that the couple had an ongoing history of domestic disputes, which had previously been addressed through clan mediation.
On the night of the incident, they attended a neighbour’s marriage ceremony before returning home, where the fire broke out. Relatives and neighbours who forced entry found Atwongo’s body severely burnt.
A homicide case has been opened, and the body is being held at Anyeke Health Centre IV pending postmortem examination.
Police continue efforts to locate the suspect.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema condemned both incidents, urging communities to rely on lawful channels to resolve disputes.
“These tragic deaths illustrate the consequences of unresolved conflicts and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands,” he said.
Police have called on the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects in both cases.
Investigations in both districts remain ongoing.
