Police Probe Shooting Death of 15-Year-Old Boy in Otuke Operation

By Our Reporter

OTUKE–Police in Otuke District are investigating circumstances under which a 15-year-old boy died during an intelligence-led operation in Te-Oboke Cell, Oget Ward, Otuke Town Council.

The deceased has been identified as Okello Denis, a resident of Te-Oboke Cell. The incident occurred on Thursday, 23rd October 2026 at around 8pm.

According to North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, police had received community concerns over rising motorcycle thefts and robberies in the district, allegedly orchestrated by a gang known as the “Owuwuk Boys” who were said to be targeting the Saturday market.

Following the complaints, a team led by the Officer-in-Charge of Otuke Police Station conducted a disruptive operation in Te-Oboke. Okema said the officers were reportedly confronted and pelted with stones from different directions, prompting them to fire shots in the air to disperse the crowd.

Later, reports emerged that Okello had died, with allegations that he was shot during the operation. Police said the exact cause of death is yet to be established.

The alleged shooting triggered unrest, with angry residents reportedly pelting Otuke Central Police Station with stones and blocking officers from accessing the scene where the body was lying.

Police said they have since opened a Death Enquiry File DEF 08/2026 and engaged local leaders to calm the situation.

The body was first taken to Orum Health Centre IV and later transferred to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination due to lack of preservation facilities at the lower health unit.

SP Okema extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that the matter will be investigated to its logical conclusion, while appealing for calm.