Police Investigate Suspected Mob Justice Killing in Kole District

The territorial police in Kole District have launched an investigation into a case of suspected mob justice that resulted in the death of two unidentified men in Akalo Town Council.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred on May 14, 2025, at around 1:00 PM. It is alleged that earlier the same day, at approximately 12:00 PM, two unidentified individuals stole UGX 2,000,000 from a yet-to-be-identified mobile money agent in Agwata Town Council, Dokolo District. The suspects then fled the scene on a motorcycle, a TVS with registration number UAM 420 BR.

The pair reportedly stopped to refuel at Akalo Trading Centre in Kole District before proceeding to the vicinity of Adya Primary School in Barilwa Cell, Eastern Ward ‘A’, Akalo Town Council. They were later intercepted by a group of individuals who had followed them on motorcycles. The two suspects were beaten to death by the group, who fled the scene before police arrived.

SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that a case of murder by mob action has been registered at Akalo Police Station and Kole Central Police Station. The scene was visited by the District Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) and officers from the homicide squad.

The bodies of the deceased were transported to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examination. Police also recovered the motorcycle used during the escape, which is being held as an exhibit. Statements have been recorded from relevant witnesses.

SP Okema condemned the act of mob justice, emphasizing that it undermines the rule of law and violates fundamental human rights. “We call upon the public to respect the right to life and human dignity, as enshrined in Articles 22 and 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Suspected criminals should be apprehended and handed over to the police for proper investigation and legal action,” he said.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.