Police in Butebo District are investigating the death of a 23-year-old man who was found dead in a swamp after a night of drinking with friends.
Richard Osaku, a resident of Akisim village in Kanyumu sub-county, disappeared on Wednesday, December 25th. His body was discovered yesterday evening immersed in the Kayepei bridge culvert, located in a swamp bordering Pallisa and Butebo districts.
According to North Bukedi Regional Police Commander Moses Kitiyo Mwanga, Osaku was found with injuries on his head and his skin peeling.
The investigation began when John Okia, the LC3 chairperson, received a report at 6:18 PM on Thursday. This report, filed under BTB SD 12/26/12/2024 and BTB CRB 335/2024, was made by Michael Odooli, the deceased’s uncle.
Odooli informed the chairperson that Osaku’s wife had expressed concerns about her husband’s disappearance. She had reportedly packed her bags and intended to leave their home after Osaku failed to return on Christmas Day.
Odooli stated that Osaku had left his home with two close friends, James Okirya and Moses Ongiriany, to go drinking at Konyamatunga trading center in Opwateta sub-county, Pallisa, which is approximately 3 kilometers away.
“I saw them leave on the deceased’s motorcycle, registration number UFE313M,” Odooli said.
Police have arrested Ongiriany (24) and Okirya (21), both residents of the area, and are holding them at Butebo Central Police Station for further investigation.
Police Investigation:
According to police records, Osaku left his home with Okirya and Ongiriany on December 25th to go drinking in Konyamatunga.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the three men were joined by another individual, John Kedi, and traveled to Konyamatunga on Osaku’s motorcycle, which was being driven by Okirya.
At Konyamatunga, the group separated. Okirya rode the motorcycle to look for passengers, while Ongiriany and Osaku remained to drink.
Ongiriany stated that he left Osaku briefly to speak with someone and upon his return, Osaku was gone.
Fearing to cross the Kayepei bridge alone at night (a notorious spot where three people had been killed earlier this year), Ongiriany sought shelter at the home of a friend named Okanya near the bridge.
On December 26th, Ongiriany learned that Osaku’s wife had gone to her uncle, Michael Odooli, threatening to leave due to her husband’s absence.
When Odooli questioned Ongiriany about Osaku’s whereabouts, Ongiriany became evasive and attempted to flee. He was apprehended and taken to the LC3 chairperson.
The second suspect, Okirya, reported to Kibale Police Station in Pallisa District on December 27th and was subsequently transferred to Butebo Police Station for further investigation.
On December 29th, the LC3 chairperson reported to Butebo Police that Osaku’s body had been found in the Kayepei bridge culvert. Police responded to the scene, documented the evidence, and retrieved the body. It was then transported to Mbale City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Community Concerns:
Kibale County Member of Parliament Richard Osaku Oriebo expressed concern over the incident, urging the public to be cautious about whom they consider friends.
He highlighted the recent increase in motorcycle thefts in the region and emphasized the need for increased vigilance.
