The tragic death of Emmanuel Otukei, a boda boda rider and staunch political agent of State Minister for Education Peter Ogwang, has ignited controversy and suspicion following a fatal accident at Ocorimongin Cattle Market on the Soroti–Moroto Highway on Friday.
The Incident, which sent shockwaves across Katakwi District and neighboring areas, has been officially labeled as an unfortunate accident. However, murmurs among residents and political observers have questioned whether there may have been more to the tragedy than initially meets the eye.
Otukei, a resident of Oitakol Village in Okore Parish, was riding his motorcycle when he was fatally struck by an ambulance registered as UBB 485Y, a vehicle reportedly belonging to Minister Ogwang. Witnesses say the ambulance, driven by a man only identified as Ogeele, was coming from Olilim at high speed ramming into Otukei, who was attempting to negotiate a corner.
“He was thrown to the roadside and died instantly,” said one witness who requested anonymity. “The driver knew it was market day and people were crowded, but he didn’t slow down. After knocking the man, he drove straight to Katakwi Police for protection.”
According to police, the ambulance has since been impounded and the driver detained for questioning as investigations continue. A postmortem confirmed that Otukei died from excessive bleeding.
While the tragedy has sparked mourning and outrage in equal measure, a darker theory has begun to surface among segments of the local population, that the crash may not have been purely accidental.
“A Sacrificial Ritual?”
In a district where political activity is intensifying ahead of upcoming elections, some community members and political opponents have hinted at the possibility that Otukei’s death may have been a ritualistic sacrifice designed to boost Ogwang’s political fortune.
Though no concrete evidence has surfaced to support such claims, speculation has intensified online and in community gatherings, with many pointing to the timing of the incident and Otukei’s close ties to the Minister.
“He was not just a supporter; he was his agent and confidant,” said a local opposition leader who declined to be named. “The way the incident happened, the silence before the Minister’s statement, and how fast the driver sought police shelter, it all raises questions.”
Ogwang Responds: “Baseless and Malicious”
Minister Ogwang responded on Saturday evening in a written statement, denying any involvement in or knowledge of ritual practices.
“We have received the sad news regarding the fatal accident involving our ambulance and one of our own,” he wrote. “Emmanuel was not just a supporter but part of our political family. We regret the incident and pray that God comforts the bereaved family during this trial.”
Ogwang categorically dismissed allegations linking the incident to ritual sacrifice, calling them “baseless, malicious, and aimed at tarnishing my name and political career.”
“This was a tragic accident, nothing more. Such rumors are part of the dirty politics that we must rise above,” he added.
District Leaders Call for Calm and Caution
Katakwi LC5 Chairman Geoffrey Omolo described the incident as regrettable and called on young drivers to avoid reckless behavior.
“We urge our youth, especially those entrusted with driving, to be disciplined and avoid excitement, particularly during this politically charged season,” Omolo said.
Meanwhile, police have appealed to the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course. “We are conducting a thorough investigation, and we ask that people avoid speculation that could interfere with justice,” said Katakwi DPC [District Police Commander], who also confirmed that statements from eyewitnesses and the driver are being reviewed.
Otukei was buried on Sunday at his ancestral home in Oitakol Village. The somber ceremony was attended by hundreds, including political leaders, family, and community members.
As investigations unfold, the people of Katakwi remain divided, some mourning a beloved son lost to road tragedy, others grappling with a growing suspicion that political ambition may have claimed a loyal life in the shadows.