By Eumu Emmanuel
Oyam, Uganda | A civilian was fatally shot during a confrontation with police officers in Tecik Village, Ngai Sub-County, Oyam District, on the evening of May 18, 2025. The incident occurred during an attempt to arrest a suspect linked to a motorcycle theft case.
According to the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, three police constables Herick Ojok, Robert Aguta, and Naturinda John Bosco had officially booked out from Ngai Police Station to arrest Ambrose Okwir. Okwir had been implicated by two previously arrested suspects, Joshua Ongiro and Jolly Obong, as the ringleader and the person in possession of the stolen motorcycle, registration number UDY 645Q.
During the arrest operation, Nelson Ojok Omoding and several others reportedly attempted to disarm the officers. In the ensuing chaos, the magazine of one of the officers’ rifles was removed, but the firearm had already been cocked. A round was discharged, striking Omoding, who was rushed to a nearby clinic but succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting sparked outrage in the community. A mob descended upon the officers, prompting Constable Naturinda to seek refuge at the home of the LC1 chairman, Nixon Ameny. However, the mob forcefully took him and lynched him on the spot.
The other two officers fled in different directions and were later rescued with injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at Anyeke Health Centre IV.
The situation escalated further when an angry mob stormed Ngai Police Station, vandalizing property, destroying case files and communication equipment, smashing windows, and forcefully releasing detainees from the cells.
District Police Commander SP Mutegeki Job, accompanied by other senior officials, including the RDC and LCV Chairperson, intervened and addressed the community, urging calm and cooperation with law enforcement. The Regional Police Commander for North Kyoga, SSP Doka Rashid, also led a team to provide support and reinforce investigations.
The bodies of the deceased civilian and police officer were taken to Anyeke Health Centre IV for postmortem examinations. The officer’s firearm was recovered, though its magazine containing 29 rounds remains missing.
A murder investigation is ongoing, with intelligence teams deployed on the ground. Police have already identified about 15 key suspects linked to the mob violence, and arrests are underway.
The police have extended condolences to the bereaved families and called on community leaders to support efforts to bring those responsible to justice while preventing similar acts of violence in the future.