16 Remanded Over Murder of Arua District Health Officer in Land Dispute

Sixteen people have been charged to Arua Chief Magistrates court and remanded to Arua prison in connection with the murder of Dr Paul Drilaba, the District Health Officer of Arua, and one other individual, which occurred on 23rd November 2024, in Oyeku Village, Ajia Subcounty.

The suspects were charged in court on 5th December 2024 and remanded to prison, as the case is capital and can only be tried by the High Court. They face charges of murder and aggravated assault stemming from the violent attack that claimed two lives.

On 23rd November 2024, at about 2:30 pm, Dr. Drilaba was attacked by a group of unidentified individuals. He was at the site with his lawyer, surveyors, and workers to demarcate boundaries of land he had recently acquired in Oyeku Village in September 2024.

An altercation reportedly broke out when a resident questioned their activities, escalating into a violent attack by a group of over 50 armed individuals wielding machetes, axes, bows, and arrows. Tragically, Dr. Drilaba and one surveyor were killed in the attack, while others managed to escape. The District Health Officer succumbed to his injuries before law enforcement could arrive at the scene.

According to SP Asea Collins, the Police Spokesperson and Regional Criminal Investigations Officer (RCLO) for the West Nile Region, preliminary findings suggest that the land in question was contested by members of the Oyeku clan, who claim historical ownership.

SP Asea urged the community to remain calm and allow the legal process to proceed. The 16 will appear before the High Court on 23rd December 2024.