Son arrested over murder of mother in Apac
By Our Reporter
APAC
Police in Apac District are investigating the murder of a 49-year-old woman who was allegedly hacked to death by her biological son.
The deceased has been identified as Atino Margret, a housewife and resident of Arak Village, Akokoro Parish, Akokoroi Sub-county. The incident occurred on the night of Tuesday, July 15, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m.
North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said the suspect, Akaki Gilbert, 22, a peasant farmer, was arrested and is detained at Apac Central Police Station.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect returned home from Aluga Trading Centre and found his parents, Engena Robert and the deceased, together with his sister Alobo Sandra, 21, asleep in their respective houses.
“It is alleged that after eating, the suspect went to his father’s house demanding water. When his father advised him that it was not an appropriate time and asked him to leave, the suspect threatened to return with a panga and kill someone,” Mr. Okema said in a statement.
Fearing for his safety, the father reportedly left to seek help from neighbours, leaving the deceased asleep in the house. Moments later, the deceased’s daughter came out and found her mother lying in a pool of blood at the doorway with severe cut wounds. The suspect was allegedly seen standing nearby holding a panga before fleeing.
A team of officers from Apac Central Police Station and Akokoro Sub-county Police Station, led by OC Apac CPS ASP Timothy Nkamwesiga and Deputy OC CID IP Ekwire, responded to the scene. The body was taken to Apac Hospital Mortuary for postmortem.
Police later arrested the suspect in an abandoned grass-thatched house about half a kilometre from the scene. He allegedly led investigators to the recovery of the panga used in the attack, which had been concealed in nearby bushes.
Mr. Okema said preliminary findings indicate the suspect is a habitual offender and alleged consumer of alcohol and marijuana. Community members said the deceased often intervened to secure his release when arrested and preferred out-of-court settlements.
“The suspect is reported to have told investigators that he attacked his mother because she frequently abused him and allegedly chased away his wife, leaving him without a family,” the statement added.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
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