Police in North Kyoga Region have issued a statement regarding the fatal shooting of a 40-year-old man in Lira City on Tuesday.
The territorial police in Lira City Central Police Station (CPS) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Odongo Dickens, a 40-year-old businessman residing in Railway Quarter Cell, Railway Quarter Ward, Lira City East Division.
In a media statement issued on Tuesday afternoon by Police PRO North Kyoga Region, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the deceased was shot and killed on October 29, 2024, at approximately 9:30 AM near Navroz Supermarket within Lira City.
SP Okema explained that on October 29, 2024, at around 9:30 AM, Opio Moses, a 36-year-old security guard employed by Capital Security Guard Company and assigned to guard Navroz Supermarket on Olwol Road, Bazar West Cell, Bazar Ward, Lira City East Division, allegedly accidentally discharged a bullet while checking his gun. The bullet struck Odongo Dickens on the right shoulder, causing severe bleeding that led to his death at the scene.
Opio Moses is a resident of Barlwal Cell, Adekokwok Ward, Lira City East Division.
Police were informed, and a case of murder by shooting was registered. A team of police officers from Lira City CPS, led by the DPC, visited the scene and cordoned it off. The Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) examined, photographed, and documented the crime scene, according to SP Okema.
Statements have been obtained from relatives and other relevant witnesses, and the alleged firearm has been recovered and exhibited. The deceased’s body has been taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital’s mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Okema stated that the suspect has been arrested and detained at Lira City CPS. The motive for the shooting has not yet been established. The alleged firearm will be submitted to ballistic experts for analysis, and the suspect’s fingerprints will be taken.
“The suspect will undergo a medical examination and be charged and cautioned. The case file will then be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal advice,” stated SP Okema.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. We call for calmness from the relatives and members of the public. We pledge our commitment to ensuring justice prevails,” added Okema.
