OTUKE, UGANDA – The territorial Police in Otuke District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 15-year-old boy, who was allegedly shot during a police operation on Friday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Okello Denis, a resident of Te-Oboke Cell, Oget Ward in Otuke Town Council.
According to a press statement released by the North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the incident occurred at approximately 8:00 PM on 23rd October 2026. The police operation was launched following community complaints and intelligence reports regarding a surge in motorcycle thefts and robberies in the area.
Intelligence indicated that a suspected criminal group, known locally as "Owuwuk Boys," was targeting the Saturday market in Otuke and reportedly converging in Te-Oboke Cell to attack members of the public.
Acting on this intelligence, a team of police officers led by the Officer in Charge of Otuke Police Station conducted a disruptive operation in the area. Upon arrival, the team was reportedly confronted by a group of individuals who pelted them with stones from different directions.
Police officers responded by firing shots into the air to disperse the crowd. It was later that information emerged that Okello had died, with allegations suggesting he was struck by a bullet during the confrontation.
"The exact circumstances surrounding the death and its cause have not yet been established," SP Okema stated, adding that a case file, D.E.F 08/2026, has been opened to investigate the matter.
Following the shooting, tensions flared in the community. Angry residents reportedly pelted Otuke Central Police Station with stones and initially blocked police from accessing the scene where the body was lying. Local leaders have since been engaged to help calm the situation and restore order.
Police have confirmed that they eventually accessed the scene and conveyed the body to Orom Health Center IV. Due to a lack of preservation facilities at the health center, the body has been transferred to the Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
The police have extended their condolences to the bereaved family and called for calmness from the public as investigations into the incident continue.
"We promise to investigate this matter to its logical conclusion. Further details will be communicated as investigations progress," SP Okema added.
