Lira, Uganda – Police PRO for North Kyoga Region, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, issued a statement regarding the death of LC3 of Aromo sub-county.
“The statement on suspected murders in Lira District CRB: 140/2024” was part of the statement issued to the media on Thursday morning by the police PRO for North Kyoga Region.
The territorial police in Lira District are closely investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspected murders of 54-year-old Odongo Robert and his 37-year-old wife, Acen Susan, which occurred on April 17, 2024, at Akaidebe village, Otara parish, Aromo Sub-County in Lira District.
According to the police, the report was filed to the police in Aromo by Odongtoo Emmanuel, the area LC1 of Obot “B” village.
It is alleged that on April 17, 2024, the reporter went to the home of Odongo Robert, the 54-year-old LC1 of Akaidebe village and Mayor (LC3) of Aromo Town board, to borrow money to buy goats. He found his second wife, Acen Susan, at home, who informed him that Odongo was not present. However, he became suspicious after some time and searched around, discovering Odongo Robert dead inside a sack under the bed. Police spokesperson for North Kyoga Region, SP Okema, added that shortly after, Acen Susan fled but was apprehended by community members. Subsequently, a murder report was filed at Aromo police post at around 09:00 hours. The police responded immediately, rescued Acen, and took her into custody. However, the rowdy community turned violent, stormed the police station, forcibly removed Acen from the police cells, and killed her.
Okema stated that the crime scene was visited by police led by the DPC of Lira District, homicide team, and SOCO who documented the scene. Acen Susan’s daughter was arrested to assist police in the investigation.
Preliminary findings by the police indicate that the couple had domestic disputes and had separate beds but were residing in the same house. Three sacks containing pieces of stones and a piston were recovered at the scene, suspected to have been used to kill Odongo.
Both bodies have been collected and taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital pending postmortem examination. Police noted that this is a tragic incident and appealed to the relatives of the deceased to remain calm. They requested anyone with information supporting the investigation to come forward quietly.
