KOLE, Uganda — Police in Kole District have launched investigations into a double murder that occurred in Akalo Town Council after a suspected case of mob justice left two people dead and property destroyed.
The incident happened on June 13, 2026, in Otwonoipingi Cell, according to a statement issued by the Uganda Police Force.
The deceased have been identified as Ecom Ivan, 22, and Mary Oming, 50, a traditional healer.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the tragedy stemmed from a recent cattle theft incident in the area. Community members reportedly invited a traditional healer to conduct rituals aimed at helping identify those responsible for the theft.
During the ritual process, Ecom Ivan is said to have suddenly collapsed and died, sparking panic and anger among residents.
Police say community members subsequently turned against the traditional healer, accusing her of causing the young man’s death.
“The mob allegedly attacked and killed the traditional healer,” police said in a statement.
The violence escalated further as the angry crowd reportedly set fire to two grass-thatched houses and a motorcycle believed to be linked to the deceased healer.
Officers responded to the scene and found the situation already under control. Police documented the crime scene, collected relevant exhibits, and transported the bodies to Lira Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
Authorities have since opened investigations aimed at establishing the exact circumstances surrounding both deaths and identifying all individuals who participated in the mob attack.
Police condemned the actions of the residents, warning that mob justice only compounds criminal acts and undermines lawful investigations.
“Police strongly condemn mob action in all its forms. Such acts lead to further loss of life, destruction of evidence, and undermine the rule of law,” the statement said.
The force emphasized that any person suspected of wrongdoing should be reported to law enforcement authorities and dealt with through established legal procedures rather than vigilante action.
Police also urged members of the public to avoid engaging in harmful or misleading practices and to promptly report criminal incidents to the relevant authorities.
“The public is urged to report crimes promptly to Police, avoid engaging in harmful or misleading practices, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” the statement added.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over mob justice in parts of the country, where communities sometimes resort to violence against suspected offenders instead of allowing law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases through the courts.
Investigations into the double murder remain ongoing.
