By Emmanuel Eumu
In a disturbing turn of events, the tranquil shores of Amolatar District in the North Kyoga Region have been marred by the suspected murder of Okello Jusper, a 45-year-old fisherman. The incident, which occurred on March 2, 2024, has shocked the community and prompted swift action from law enforcement authorities.
Preliminary investigations led by SP Jimmy Patrick Okema reveal a grim narrative: Okello, a resident of Ogwenyence to Cell, Barakwanya Ward, Namasale Sub County, fell victim to a frenzied mob attack. Reports suggest that Okello was beaten to death by an enraged group on allegations of withholding information regarding Elilu Samuel’s whereabouts.
Elilu Samuel, believed to be an informant for the Fishery Protection Unit (FPU), became the target of the mob’s wrath after suspicions arose that he had collaborated with authorities. The tension escalated further following the tragic drowning of Denis Opio, a fellow fisherman, on the same day.
According to Afande Okema, the mob’s ire stemmed from their desire to confront Elilu Samuel, but tragically culminated in the fatal assault on Okello Jusper. Law enforcement swiftly intervened as the Amolatar Central Police Station, led by the Officer in Charge, responded to the scene under the directive of the District Police Commander (DPC). The Special Police Constable (SOCO) meticulously documented the scene while Okello’s body was conveyed to Amolatar Health Center IV for postmortem examination.
Amidst the chaos, the body of Denis Opio, retrieved from the lake, was hurriedly buried by relatives without the necessary postmortem procedures—a stark reminder of the urgency to address both the tragedy and its aftermath.
One suspect, Orech Samuel, aged 40 and hailing from Pangani Village, Kikondo Parish, Namasale Sub County, was apprehended by the Fishery Protection Unit on charges of illegal fishing. He was subsequently handed over to the authorities at Amolatar Central Police Station for further investigation.
In response to the heinous act, law enforcement officials strongly condemned the community’s resort to vigilantism, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. Leaders, alongside the Fishery Protection Unit and the police, have reiterated their commitment to engaging with the community to combat illegal fishing practices and prevent further instances of mob violence.
The tragic death of Okello Jusper serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked mob mentality and underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts to uphold justice and ensure community safety in Amolatar District.