Amolatar District, Uganda – A long-simmering land dispute turned fatal on New Year’s Eve in Amolatar District, resulting in the brutal murder of two individuals and the serious injury of two others.
The incident, which occurred at midday on December 31, 2025, in Awiya Owee Village, has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a major police investigation.
According to an official police statement released by North Kyoga Region spokesperson SP PJ Okema, the victims had travelled to the site to survey a piece of land with intentions to begin construction. They were allegedly ambushed and violently attacked by a group armed with pangas and sticks.
The deceased have been identified as Adero Secondina, a 60-year-old woman from Aburkidi Village, and Olum Bonny, a man in his late twenties from Ocamulum Village. The survivors are Ongom Tom, described as the husband or partner of the late Secondina, and Ayo Felix, her nephew. Both were rescued by police and are receiving treatment for serious injuries at Amolatar Health Centre IV.
Police swiftly arrested six suspects, all members of the same family. They are Akello Magaret Ayena, an elderly woman, and her children: Odongo Jimmy, Ocen Francis, Odongo Caesar, Aboko Fred, and Aweri Bonny. Preliminary investigations confirm that a protracted land conflict existed between the deceased Adero Secondina and the prime suspect, Akello Magaret Ayena. The attack reportedly commenced as the victims began marking the contested plot.
“Preliminary findings reveal that all the suspects belong to one family, and all the victims are also members of one family,” stated the police report, underscoring the familial nature of the tragic confrontation.
A team from Amolatar Central Police Station (CPS), led by District Community Liaison Officer AIP Obwong Augustine, secured the scene. Evidence recovered includes three sharp pangas, several sticks, and hoe handles. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary at Amolatar HC IV for postmortem examination.
In the aftermath, the District CLO engaged in community policing efforts, condemning the violence and advocating for peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms.
The Territorial Police have registered a case of murder and attempted murder and continue their investigations. All suspects remain in custody at Amolatar CPS as inquiries proceed.
SP Okema assured the public that updates would be provided as the investigation advances, urging community calm and cooperation with law enforcement.
This tragic event highlights the deadly consequences that can arise from unresolved land conflicts, a persistent challenge in many rural communities across the region.
