Mob Action in Lira Leaves University Student Dead, Nurse Critical; Police Investigate Bizarre Details.
By Okidi Patrick
LIRA, UGANDA – Lira District police are investigating a gruesome incident of mob action that resulted in the death of a university student and left a nurse in critical condition on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The victims were discovered by a roadside with ropes and dead chickens tied to their bodies, pointing to a suspected vigilante attack marked by bizarre circumstances.
The incident, reported to police around 8:00 AM on Wednesday, involved two male adults found lying along the route from Corner Amach to Amach Town Council in Ayito Village, Adola Parish, Awiodyek Sub-county, Lira District. One victim, later identified as Ongom Emmanuel, was already deceased, while the other, Otim Makey, was unconscious and in critical condition.
According to preliminary findings from the Territorial Police, both men had ropes tied around them, each eerily adorned with a dead chicken. Assorted items of clothing and two pairs of shoes were also found placed near Ongom’s body, suggesting a highly unusual and possibly ritualistic element to the brutal assault.
The deceased, 24-year-old Ongom Emmanuel, was a student at Lira University and a resident of Kakoge B Cell, Kakoge Ward, Lira City West Division. The survivor, Otim Makey, is a nurse at Good Choice Clinic in Kakoge Zone, Lira West Division.
The matter was reported by CPL Okabo Julus, a 54-year-old police officer and the In-charge of Majan Police Post. The case was initially registered at Majan Police Post before being transferred to Lira District for further management due to its serious nature.
A joint investigative team, comprising officers from the area police, Homicide department, Canine Unit, and uniformed personnel—led by the OC CID Lira District—visited and meticulously documented the scene with support from the SOCO (Scene of Crime Officers) team.
Otim Makey, the unconscious victim, was immediately evacuated to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where he is reportedly responding well to treatment. Police hope that once his condition stabilizes, he will be able to assist with further identification of the suspects.
The police canine unit proved instrumental in the early stages of the investigation, leading officers to the arrest of Otiti David, who is now assisting police with inquiries. Statements have also been obtained from relevant witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
The body of Ongom Emmanuel has been transported to Lira Regional Referral Hospital’s mortuary for a postmortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Police confirm that prime suspects in the mob action remain at large, but intelligence efforts are actively underway to apprehend them.
PJ Okema, the Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Region, in a statement affirmed the police’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring all perpetrators of this heinous act of mob justice to account. The police continue to appeal to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of those involved.
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