Lira City West Police Probe Murder‑by‑Assault After Boda‑Boda Rider’s Body Found in Barapwo Ward.
LIRA CITY, UGANDA -31 January 2026 – The Territorial Police of Lira City West Division have opened a murder‑by‑assault investigation after the body of 30‑year‑old boda‑boda rider Ekol Walter was discovered near a residence in Ongica “A” Cell, Barapwo Ward, early on Thursday. Police say the killing appears to be linked to a violent altercation that erupted during a traditional “introduction ceremony” on the night of 30 January.
According to a statement released by North Kyoga Region Police Relations Officer SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, a celebration was being held at the home of Saidi Okello Ogole in Elwa Cell, Barapwo Ward when a fight broke out involving a man identified as Samson and several unnamed accomplices. Witnesses say Walter, a well‑known boda‑boda rider from Anai Okii Cell, intervened in an attempt to break up the brawl.
“Instead of calming the situation, Samson and his associates turned on Walter, assaulting him repeatedly before forcibly removing him from the ceremony venue,” the police statement reads. The victim was taken to an undisclosed location where he was later found dead.
Discovery of the body
At approximately 08:16 hours on 31 January, Opio Darius, a 36‑year‑old technician residing in Ongica “A” Cell, reported the discovery of Walter’s body near the home of Ogwanga Walter. Darius alerted the LC I General Secretary, who in turn notified officers at the Anai Police Post. A murder case was promptly registered at the post and later escalated to the Lira City West Division headquarters.
The scene was secured and examined by a Scenes of Crime Officer and the division’s Homicide Team. Statements from Darius and other witnesses have been recorded. Walter’s body was transferred to the Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a post‑mortem examination.
Police response
“We are treating this as a murder‑by‑assault case and have deployed all necessary forensic and investigative resources,” said SP PJ Okema. “Our priority now is to locate Samson – identified as the prime suspect – and any accomplices who participated in the assault.”
Investigators have not yet disclosed Samson’s full name or background, pending further verification. The police are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby homes and gathering additional witness testimonies.
Community reaction
Walter was a regular presence on the city’s busy streets, ferrying commuters between Barapwo Ward and neighboring districts. “He was always helping people get to work on time, even in the rain,” said Miriam Auma, a resident of Anai Ward who frequently rode with Walter. “It’s heartbreaking that his life was taken while he was trying to stop a fight.”
Local leaders have called for calm and urged residents to cooperate with investigators. Councilor Jacob Okwach of Barapwo Ward appealed for the community to “refrain from speculation and allow the police to do their work.”
Next steps
Police have appealed to anyone with information about Samson’s whereabouts or the whereabouts of the other individuals present at the ceremony on the night of 30 January to contact the Lira City West Division at +256‑789‑123‑456 or via 0800‑555‑555.
The post‑mortem report, expected within the next 48 hours, will determine the exact cause of death and may provide further clues to the perpetrators. Authorities have pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.
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