Police in Kole District are investigating a shocking double murder incident that left a traditional healer and a young man dead following a ritual meant to identify suspects in a cattle theft case.
The incident occurred on 13 June 2026 in Otwonoipingi Cell, Akalo Town Council, where tensions had been rising after a reported cattle theft.
According to preliminary police findings, the community invited a traditional healer identified as Mary Oming(50) to perform a ritual in which a cattle theft suspect was expected to be identified through supernatural means where it was believed that if a person was guilty, the ritual would harm them, and if innocent, they would be spared.
During the process, Ivan Ecom (22), one of the individuals linked to the cattle theft suspicion, reportedly collapsed and died shortly after taking part in the ritual. His sudden death sparked anger among community members.
A mob then turned violent, attacking and killing the traditional healer who had conducted the ritual. In the chaos that followed, two grass-thatched houses were set ablaze, along with a motorcycle.
Police later responded to the scene, documented the incident, recovered exhibits, and transferred the bodies of the deceased to Lira Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
Addressing journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke condemned the incident, warning against mob justice.
“We strongly condemn acts of mob justice in all forms. Such actions not only lead to the loss of life but also destroy evidence and undermine the rule of law. Anyone suspected of wrongdoing should be reported to lawful authorities for proper investigation and handling,” Kituuma said.
Police added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest all individuals involved in both the killings and the destruction of property.
Authorities have also urged the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands and instead report criminal incidents to security agencies for proper handling through established legal channels.
