Police in Kole District have launched investigations into a case of double murder following a violent incident linked to alleged cattle theft rituals in Akalo Town Council.
The incident occurred on 13 June 2026 in Otwonoipingi Cell, where two people lost their lives under tragic circumstances.
The deceased have been identified as 22-year-old Ecom Ivan and 50-year-old Mary Oming, a traditional healer.
According to preliminary police findings, the violence stemmed from a recent cattle theft incident in the area, after which community members reportedly invited a traditional healer to conduct rituals aimed at tracing the suspected culprits.
During the ritual process, Ecom Ivan allegedly collapsed and died unexpectedly, triggering anger and suspicion among residents. In retaliation, an enraged mob reportedly attacked and killed the traditional healer, Mary Oming.
The violence escalated further as the mob allegedly torched two grass-thatched houses and set a motorcycle ablaze.
Police officers responded to the scene, documented evidence, and transported the bodies to Lira Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations as investigations continue.
Speaking during the weekly press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusoke Kituuma strongly condemned acts of mob justice, warning that such actions only worsen situations and undermine the justice system.
“Any person suspected of wrongdoing should be handled through lawful procedures and reported to the relevant authorities,” Kituuma said.
Police have since appealed to the public to report crimes promptly, avoid engaging in harmful or misleading practices, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
