Oyam District, Uganda – A 15-year-old juvenile is in police custody after allegedly beating his father to death with a piece of wood during a quarrel over a mobile phone containing expected government cattle restocking funds.
According to SP PJ Okema, the Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Region, the murder by assault occurred on 29th April 2026 at about 6:00 PM at Zaire Village, Myene Parish, Myene Sub-county.
Okema identified the deceased as Okeng Simon, a 49-year-old peasant farmer, and the suspect as his son. The matter was reported at Minakulu Town Council Police Station on 30th April at around 2:00 AM by Okodi Santo, a 52-year-old peasant farmer and resident of the same village.
Speaking on the ongoing investigations, SP Okema explained that preliminary findings show the deceased had been expecting money from the government for cattle restocking, sent via mobile phone. At the time, the phone was being used by his son.
“On the evening of 29th April, the deceased returned home and found the suspect attempting to read messages on the phone. Suspecting that the expected funds had been received, he demanded the phone, but the suspect declined, leading to a quarrel,” Okema stated.
During the altercation, the suspect allegedly picked up a piece of wood and struck his father several times on the head, causing him to collapse. The deceased’s wife, who witnessed the incident, intervened and tried to rush him to a nearby health facility.
“Unfortunately, he died on the way,” SP Okema confirmed.
Okema reported that local leaders immediately apprehended the suspect and handed him over to police at Minakulu Town Council Police Station. A case of murder by assault was registered, and a team of homicide detectives together with uniformed personnel visited and processed the scene of crime. Statements have since been recorded from relevant witnesses.
SP Okema added that the body of the deceased was conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination, while the suspect remains in custody pending further interrogation.
“Investigations are ongoing, and more updates will be provided as inquiries progress,” Okema said.
