By Eumu Emmanuel
Dokolo – The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda, has granted bail to George Ongom Lango, a health assistant of Adeknino Sub County, who was arrested on allegations of arson and inciting violence.
Ongom was apprehended on Wednesday and arraigned before Chief Magistrate Dr. Irene Namae on Thursday, July 4. He faced charges related to an incident on June 22, 2024, at Awelo Trading Center in Dokolo District, where he allegedly mobilized people to burn the motorcycle of Ivan Okello, registration UDF 936G.
The case, registered at Dokolo Central Police Station under CRB 318/2024, involves Ongom and 18 others. In court, Ongom pleaded not guilty and requested bail. Chief Magistrate Namae granted him a non-cash bail of 6 million shillings, with his surety, Dorcus Ongom, his wife, ordered to pay a non-cash bail of 2 million shillings.
The charges against Ongom have sparked significant attention in the community, given the gravity of the allegations. The court’s decision to grant bail has been met with mixed reactions, with some residents expressing concerns about the potential for further unrest, while others emphasize the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.
Ongom is scheduled to reappear in court on July 29 for the hearing of his case. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains divided, awaiting the outcome of this high-profile case.