APAC, Uganda – A man believed to be a notorious animal thief met a gruesome end on Thursday when an angry mob attacked and killed him over allegations of stealing a goat in Ayeng Trading Centre, Apac District.
The deceased, identified only as Ogwang, a resident of Akuli Village in Atopi Parish, was found dead on the roadside with a goat tied to his leg, according to police reports.
The incident occurred on June 25, 2026, at Ayeng Trading Centre, Ayeng Village, Ayago Parish, Apoi Sub-county. Police were notified by Adoko Walter, 42, the Local Council I chairperson of the area.
According to preliminary investigations, the mob attacked Ogwang on suspicion that he had stolen the goat found tied to him at the scene.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP P. J. Okema, confirmed the incident, stating that police officers from Apac Central Police Station and Apoi Sub-county Police Station visited the crime scene.
“We have commenced investigations into this suspected case of murder by mob. The body has been conveyed to Apac Main Hospital mortuary pending postmortem examination,” Okema said in a statement.
Victim Had Criminal Record
Police records indicate that the deceased was no stranger to law enforcement. Okema revealed that Ogwang was among a group of gangs frequently arrested and imprisoned on charges of animal theft.
“On several occasions, the deceased and others were rescued by police from Apoi Sub-county and Apac CPS over similar allegations of theft of animals,” Okema stated.
While no suspects have been arrested yet, police say efforts are ongoing to identify both the owner of the goat and the perpetrators of the mob attack.
Relevant witnesses have been interviewed and statements recorded as investigations continue.
The incident highlights the persistent problem of mob justice in parts of Uganda, where communities take the law into their own hands rather than allowing due process to take its course.
Police have urged the public to report suspected criminals to authorities rather than resorting to violence.
