APAC, UGANDA – The North Kyoga Regional Police have officially confirmed the murder of a 50-year-old man by an angry mob in Apac District, condemning the act of vigilante justice and opening a fresh murder investigation.
The incident, according to a statement released by Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, occurred on Monday, January 5th, 2026, at approximately 11:00 AM in Amii-Amola Village, Alworoceng Parish, Ibuje Sub-County.
The deceased has been identified as Ume Saidi, also known as Anam Francis, a peasant farmer and resident of the area.
Preliminary police findings reveal a tragic cycle of violence preceding the lynching. Saidi had been a wanted fugitive since the night of January 1st, 2026, for allegedly hacking to death a man identified as Otim Moses in the same village.
The situation escalated further when Saidi's 21-year-old son, Ogweta Denis, was reportedly killed by an angry mob. Following his son's death, police state that Saidi issued direct threats to kill several other villagers, sowing widespread fear and panic throughout Alworoceng Parish. The threats were severe enough to force some residents to flee their homes.
On Monday morning, Saidi was reportedly spotted by members of the public hiding in a nearby bush. An enraged mob quickly descended, chased him down, and lynched him before police officers could intervene.
A response team from Apac Central Police Station and Kidilani Police Post arrived at the scene. Saidi's body was recovered and transported to Apac General Hospital's mortuary for a postmortem examination. The scene of the crime is pending a detailed forensic examination by the Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) and other detectives.
In the statement, SP Okema strongly condemned the act of mob justice. "No suspects have so far been arrested in relation to this murder by mob action. Inquiries are ongoing," he stated.
He reiterated the police's stance, urging the public to follow lawful procedures: "Police strongly condemn acts of mob action and urge members of the public to always report and apprehend suspected criminals under Section 15 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act and hand them over to the Police under Section 16 for lawful handling."
The police have assured the public that further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
