Police in Kitgum District have launched investigations into the murder of an 18-year-old woman following a domestic dispute over chairs in Adak Village, Balakwa Parish, Lalano Sub County.
The deceased, Akwero Mercy, a peasant farmer, was reportedly killed on the morning of Saturday, May 3, 2025, after confronting a fellow villager, Atimango Nancy, 24, over a misunderstanding that started the previous day. The altercation turned deadly when Atimango allegedly stabbed Akwero in the throat during a confrontation in the garden, killing her instantly.
The incident was reported by Owacgiu Dennis, a prison officer attached to Upper Prison Luzira and resident of the same village. Officers from Kitgum Central Police Station, led by D/IP Alupo Florence, visited the scene, documented evidence, and recovered the suspected murder weapons—a hoe and a knife.
Aswa East Police Spokesperson, Inspector of Police Joe Oloya, confirmed the incident and said a case file had been opened to guide inquiries. “Preliminary information shows the two women had a misunderstanding over the use of chairs. When the deceased followed the suspect to the garden to address it, she was attacked,” Oloya said.
The body was taken to Kitgum General Hospital for a postmortem examination. Atimango was arrested and remains in police custody as investigations continue. Statements from key witnesses have been recorded, and police say more details will follow.
According to police crime statistics, Uganda registered 4,329 homicide cases in 2024, reflecting a 1.9% increase from 4,248 cases reported in 2023.
