GULU — Police in Gulu District have launched investigations into the killing of a laboratory technician attached to Gulu University who was attacked while returning home in the evening hours.
According to preliminary police findings, the victim was ambushed along a footpath on the outskirts of Gulu City shortly after leaving work. The assailants reportedly attacked him before fleeing the scene, leaving him fatally injured.
The Aswa West Regional Police spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, confirmed the incident and said detectives have opened a murder investigation as security agencies pursue the suspects.
“We received a report of a male adult who was found lying dead along a footpath following what appears to have been a brutal attack. We have opened a murder investigation and are pursuing all possible leads,” ASP Okema said.
He added that police forensic teams had already examined the scene and collected evidence to aid investigations.
“The scene has been thoroughly examined, and statements are being recorded from residents who may have seen or heard anything unusual. We appeal to the public to assist with any information that can help us identify the suspects,” he said.
Management at Gulu University described the killing as a major loss to the institution and said they were cooperating fully with investigators.
“This is a painful loss for the university community. We are in contact with the police and supporting the investigation in every way possible,” a senior university official said.
The killing has heightened concerns over insecurity along poorly lit routes commonly used by residents and workers returning home at night in parts of Gulu City.
Community members say several footpaths on the outskirts of the city lack proper lighting and regular security patrols despite being frequently used by people travelling from workplaces during late hours.
Local leaders have previously raised concerns about increasing cases of violent attacks and robberies in rapidly growing urban areas across northern Uganda.
Police said no arrests had been made by Thursday evening, but intelligence-led operations to track down the attackers were ongoing.
The body of the deceased was taken for postmortem examination as investigations continue.