The territorial police in Aswa region, Agago district, have in custody a 32-year-old man for allegedly murdering a 53-year-old man.
In a statement released by police on October 31, 2023, SCP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, stated that the suspect, identified as Okello Aldo Akech, a 32-year-old peasant of Ocoyo Lamero village, Kaket parish, Lapono sub-county, allegedly murdered Tarasisto Okwera, a 53-year-old peasant of Nyer Ikan South village.
According to Enanga, the incident occurred on October 23, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., when the suspect was repairing the padlock of the victim for Ugx 2000 and demanded his money.
However, the victim gave him Ugx 1000 and asked him to return later for the balance of Ugx 1000, which did not sit well with the suspect, hence the suspect turning violent while demanding the full amount.
“He then grabbed a knife from the victim, chased him, and stabbed him on the left side of the rib. Several members of the community responded, arrested the suspect, and took him to the LC1 Chairperson,” Enanga said.
Enanga said that the community members tried to rush the victim to the hospital, but he unfortunately died on the way to Kalongo hospital, and the body was returned home. This prompted an angry mob to attack the suspect, but he was rescued by the police from Lapono Police Post.
According to Enanga, the knife that was used for the murder was recovered by the police.
The police strongly condemn such acts of elderly abuse and impunity within the community where perpetrators of violence transfer their anger on innocent elderly persons. Police vowed to fast-track this violent murder through the courts of law and ensure the suspect is punished.
