Lira, Uganda | March 2025 – A late-night shooting at a popular pork joint along the Soroti Highway has left one woman dead and two others injured, with one victim still struggling to afford life-saving surgery months after the attack.
The incident occurred on Monday night, February 24, 2025,at the ‘Container Pork Joint’ located at Corner Boroboro,when unidentified assailants opened fire, killing 28-year-old Hellen Akello,a resident of Barlwala Cell, Angwetangwet Ward in Lira City East Division.
Among the injured was 19-year-old Mercy Auma,who was shot three times,leaving one bullet still lodged in her leg. She was rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital,where doctors recommended immediate surgery. However, two months later, she remains in excruciating pain due to a lack of funds to purchase orthopedic reconstruction nails estimated to cost over 4 million Ugandan shillings.
“I was supposed to be operated on, but we don’t have the money for the nails needed to fix my leg,"Auma told reporter from her hospital bed.
“I’m begging well-wishers to help me so that I can walk again and live a normal life."
Authorities have yet to identify the gunmen or establish a motive for the attack. Local leaders and human rights activists have called for urgent police intervention to ensure justice for the victims and prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, Mercy’s family continues to appeal for financial assistance to cover her medical expenses. Well-wishers can contribute through +15089043831 in the name of Grace Aciro or +19787281483 and the name is Charles Opiro using Venmo or Cash app
