A storm of controversy is swirling around State Minister for Education, Hon. Peter Ogwang, following the death of his close political agent, Emmanuel Otukei, in a crash involving an ambulance allegedly registered in the minister’s name.
The tragic incident, which took place at Ocor Imongin Cattle Market along the Soroti–Moroto Highway, has sparked allegations of foul play, ritual sacrifice, and attempted bribery in a district already steeped in political tension.
Otukei, a boda boda rider and loyal supporter of Ogwang, was fatally struck by an ambulance registered UBB 485Y, reportedly tied to the minister. Witnesses allege that the ambulance, driven at high speed by a man identified only as Ogeele, lost control and rammed into Otukei’s motorcycle as he tried to navigate a corner.
Though the incident has been officially labeled an accident, suspicion continues to grow, especially in Otukei’s home village of Oitakol, Okore Sub-County.
The funeral on Monday quickly turned into a scene of political unrest. Minister Ogwang, attending the burial, was met with skepticism and veiled hostility.
His attempt to offer compensation, a cash handout of Shs 7 million, was not well received. Dissatisfaction rippled through the mourners, with some calling the gesture an “attempt to buy silence.” Amid murmuring from the crowd, Ogwang was forced to add an additional Shs 3 million, bringing the total to Shs 10 million.
“That was not condolence money, it was hush money,” a political observer from Katakwi commented. “Ogwang appeared under siege. His body language was not of a grieving leader, but of a man cornered.”
Matters worsened when a family member stood up and publicly demanded compensation for the deceased’s motorcycle, which had been destroyed in the accident. “Fine, you have compensated for the life lost,” the relative said, “but what about the motorcycle your ambulance crushed?” The remark drew murmurs of agreement from the crowd, further embarrassing the Minister.
Cornered and visibly uneasy, especially in the presence of his political adversaries Augustine Otuko and Dan Mulaku, Ogwang had no option but to agree to replace the motorcycle. “I will pay for the motorcycle; it will be delivered on Friday or Saturday,” he said, his tone lacking confidence.
Legal minds are now weighing in, with some accusing Ogwang of attempting to interfere with due process and shield his driver from potential criminal investigation. Calls for an independent probe into the crash are mounting, especially in light of the funds allegedly used in the compensation.
The Incident has revived painful memories from 2016, when another vehicle linked to Ogwang, a tipper lorry carrying football players from Ngariam, overturned near Katakwi Hospital Junction. That crash claimed the lives of two players, Ononge Peter from Odebe Village and Okolimo Isaac from Apeleun Village who were heading for Of Wang’s foot ball tournament. No clear accountability followed that tragedy, and locals fear history may be repeating itself.
Political rivals have wasted no time in using the recent death to challenge Ogwang’s integrity and leadership. “How convenient that a loyal agent dies in a suspicious accident involving a politician’s vehicle,” a local activist said. “And now Ogwang appears with sacks of money? It smells of guilt, not grief.”
As the people of Okore and surrounding areas await the promised replacement motorcycle, many remain unconvinced that justice is being pursued. The lingering question now is whether the Minister’s show of charity is a cover-up or a sincere gesture, though for many, the damage is already done.
With the situation intensifying and pressure mounting, Minister Ogwang finds himself battling not just for political survival, but for public trust.