KWANIA DISTRICT, UGANDA – The territorial Police in Kwania District are investigating a disturbing case of suspected murder by mob action that claimed the lives of two men on June 3, 2026, at Alikingel Trading Centre, Aluka parish, Inomo Sub-county.
The incident occurred at around 1:00 PM, according to a statement released by SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, Police Spokesperson for the North Kyoga Region.
The victims have been identified as:Ebong Moses, approximately 50 years old, a businessman and resident of Barkwac village, Aluka parish, Inomo Sub-county, Kwania District and Ekonga Derrick, approximately 33 years old, a peasant farmer and resident of Ongica village, Chegere Sub-county, Apac District.
According to preliminary police reports, between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on the fateful day, the two deceased were arrested by a group of angry residents at Barkwac village.
The mob suspected Ebong and Ekonga of stealing:Three goats belonging to one Otim Jimmy,An unspecified number of chickens,A bicycle,and Half a sack of rice (owner yet to be identified)
The two men were dragged by the mob and severely assaulted all the way to Barkwac Trading Centre. It was there that Ekonga Derrick died on the spot.
Police were notified and rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue the victims. However, Ebong Moses died while being transported to Aduku Health Centre IV for treatment.
Preliminary reports indicate that Ebong Moses was an habitual cattle thief who had been in and out of government prison on multiple allegations of theft. Police did not disclose any prior criminal record for Ekonga Derrick.
A case file for murder by mob action has been registered, and investigations are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The bodies of the deceased were picked up and conveyed to Aduku Health Centre IV mortuary, where they are pending postmortem examinations.
As of the time of this report, no arrests have been made. However, police say plans are in motion through the local LCI chairman of the area to identify and apprehend those involved in the killings.
SP Patrick Jimmy Okema described the incident as “really very unfortunate.” He issued a dual appeal to the community:
To the public: “Desist from acts of mob action.” He reminded citizens that taking the law into their own hands is a crime, regardless of the suspected offense.and To suspected criminals: “The public is equally tired of your continued criminal activities.”
Police continue to urge residents to report suspected thieves to law enforcement rather than resorting to extrajudicial killings.
