LC3 Chairman, 5 others Charged in Pader Gruesome Witchcraft Murder

PADER – Police in Pader District have brought charges against six suspects, including the LC 3 Chairman of Ajani Sub-County, in connection with the murder of an 80-year-old peasant farmer named Akongo Mary.

The tragic incident occurred in Acamuling village, Paibwor Parish, within Ajani Sub-County, Pader District.

The suspects stand accused of accusing the victim of practicing witchcraft and inciting the community to take her life. According to gathered information, on September 20, 2023, at approximately 5:00 PM, Mwaka Christopher, the LC 3 Chairman of Ajani Sub-County, Okeny Francis, the LC 2 Chairman of Paibwor, Odongo Robert, the LC 1 Chairman of Acamuling village, and Rubangakene Denis, the GISO of Ajani Sub-County, orchestrated the arrest of the victim.

They brought her before a makeshift court at the residence of Oyet Yusuf, where they charged her with practicing witchcraft in front of a crowd they had mobilized.

Under duress, the victim issued a forced apology to both the community and the local leaders present. The LC 3 Chairman then ordered the community to execute the victim and burn down her home. Tragically, she was subjected to torture as they led her from Oyet Yusuf’s residence back to her own. An enraged mob subsequently took her life and set her body and residence ablaze.

Upon receiving information about this horrific incident, the police in Pader swiftly responded, documented the crime scene, and conducted a post-mortem examination. Among the other suspects apprehended are Oyet Yusuf, Ochaya Francis, Akello Lucy, Ayeno Shilah, Ali Concy, and Alima Sunday. Intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend additional suspects who are currently evading capture.

SCP Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police spokesperson, has vehemently condemned such acts of lawlessness and impunity. He has expressed confidence that the police homicide team will expedite the legal process to bring the culprits to justice.