Alebtong Police Probe Sudden Death Linked to “Prayer Warrior” Ritual

By Okidi Patrick

Alebtong, Uganda – 22 January 2026 – The Alebtong District Territorial Police are investigating a fatal incident that occurred on the night of 20 January, when a 47‑year‑old peasant, Ayo Sam Kundu, collapsed and died during a prayer ceremony at the home of Opio Stephen (alias Okii) in Akura Sub‑county.

According to SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO North Kyoga police Region, the incident happened at approximately 21:00 hours, police were alerted by one Ayo Jimmy, a 33‑year‑old farmer from Ayano Village, Lira District, who reported that Kundu had suddenly become drowsy and then fell unconscious while taking part in a “prayer warrior” gathering organized by Stephen.

According to the police report, the gathering – described by locals as a Buteleja Group from Kalaki District – involved a ritual that included drinking unsweetened tea, the slaughter of a hen (its head removed and buried), and the presence of a second live chicken that was taken away by the participants after the ceremony.

Three attendees – Odwar Kenneth, Omara Akato, and Ayo Sam Kundu – reportedly experienced severe drowsiness following the ritual. While Kenneth and Akato recovered, Kundu’s condition worsened, and he died at Stephen’s residence before emergency services could intervene.

Ongoing investigation
Police opened case file ALEBTONG DEF:003/2026, secured the scene, and retrieved Kundu’s body, which was transferred to the Alebtong Health Centre IV mortuary for post‑mortem examination.

Investigators have identified a man known only as Emmanuel, a resident of Kaberamaido District, as a person of interest. His exact role in the events remains under scrutiny.

“The community members attended the ceremony voluntarily, and local council leaders appeared to have given it informal sanction,” said PJ Okema, Police Relations Officer for the North Kyoga region. “Our priority now is to determine the precise cause of death – whether it was a toxic substance, a medical condition, or another factor linked to the ritual.”

Background
The incident follows a prior dispute in December 2025, when Stephen claimed his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle had been stolen. Rather than filing a police report, he allegedly announced that he would recover the motorcycle through a special prayer ceremony designed to “identify the thief.”

Such practices, sometimes labeled as witchcraft or traditional healing, are not criminalized under Uganda’s Penal Code, which makes it difficult for authorities to prosecute alleged occult activities. Police officials are therefore urging residents to report crimes directly to law enforcement rather than resort to unverified rituals.

Community response
Local leaders have expressed shock at the tragedy. “We regret that a cultural practice meant to bring people together ended in loss of life,” said Chairperson of Akura Sub‑County Council, Hon. Jane Aco. “We will cooperate fully with the police to ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed.”

Neighbors of Stephen said they had been informed that the prayer session was meant to help locate the missing motorcycle, not to treat health ailments. “We thought it was a harmless gathering,” said Ayo Jimmy, who reported the death. “No one expected anyone to die.”

Next steps
The post‑mortem report, expected within the next few days, will be crucial in establishing the medical cause of Kundu’s death. Police have pledged to release further findings as the investigation progresses and have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.