Police Rescues Alleged Witch Doctors Amidst Local Anger, Condemns Vigilante Actions

Police Condemns Vigilante Justice in North Kyoga Region, Urges Community Leaders to Promote Peace.

The North Kyoga police have strongly condemned the actions of locals and called on community leaders to foster peace, love, and unity among community members. The police further discouraged the practice of taking suspects to a community court, emphasizing that it is against the law and deemed unacceptable.

The condemnation comes in following an incident in Oyam District, where territorial police intervened to rescue three suspected witch doctors accused of engaging in witchcraft and poisoning cases in the area.

According to the North Kyoga police spokesperson, SP. Jimmy Patrick Okema, the incident unfolded during a meeting organized by Francis Okello Amuku, the clan chief of Okarowok Wibye Acel Clan, on November 10, 2023, at Anyeke Main Market. During the meeting, the three suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in several deaths in the area, triggering anger among the attendees who resorted to attacking and beating the suspects.

The Oyam District police were promptly informed, and the OC station and the team intervened, rescuing the victims. The suspects, in critical conditions, were rushed to Anyeke Health Center IV for treatment. The victims include Omeny Cerisitino (89 years old), Adongo Dorina (76 years old), and Acipa Catherine (40 years old).

In a disturbing turn of events, a group of individuals then stormed the victims’ homes, setting houses on fire, and injuring animals. The District CID, Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), documented the scene, and cases of attempted murder, arson, injuring animals, and malicious damage have been registered at Oyam CPS. The extent of the damages caused is yet to be established, and the suspects remain at large.

Police have reiterated their condemnation of the vigilante actions and emphasized the need for community leaders to promote peace and unity.

SP Jimmy Patrick Okema stated, “We strongly condemn the action of the locals and encourage the leaders to embrace peace, love, and unity amongst the community members. We discourage taking suspects for a community court; it’s an act that is against the law and unacceptable.”

Efforts are underway to apprehend the clan chief and other suspects involved in the incident.

END