Kole District, Uganda — Police in Kole District are investigating a tragic domestic incident that left two people dead after a man allegedly cut his wife to death before dying by suicide inside their home.
The incident was reported by Omara Jackson, 42, the LC1 chairperson of Te-ibule Cell, Western Ward B, Bala Town Council.
The deceased have been identified as Atenge Sam, 45, a peasant farmer, and Atim Joan, 39, also a peasant farmer. Both resided in the same cell.
According to police, the couple had a misunderstanding at around 1:00 am on June 1, 2026, while at home. The argument escalated into a fight, during which Atenge Sam allegedly picked up a panga and badly cut his wife, Atim Joan, killing her. Upon realizing that she had died, he reportedly committed suicide by hanging inside the house.
A team from the District Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) and the homicide squad visited the scene. Both bodies were picked up and conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital's mortuary, pending postmortem examinations.
Relevant statements have been recorded, and exhibits including a panga and a rope were recovered.
Police confirmed that the two had been cohabiting for some time.
In a statement, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, Police Spokesperson for North Kyoga Region, strongly condemned the act.
"This is yet another sad incident," Okema said. "We condemn strongly such barbaric acts which are very common amongst married couples."
He called on family heads, clan leaders, and religious institutions to step in and support couples facing challenges.
"Couples should learn to express freely their grievances and seek support," Okema added.
The bodies remain at Lira Regional Referral Hospital as investigations continue.
