The Police in Serere District are investigating the tragic death of a 20-year-old man following a fight over a bottle of waragi, a local gin.
The deceased, identified as Edosu Sois Peter, was a resident of Apokor Village, Atiira Parish, Atiira Sub-County.
According to ACP Damalie Nachuha, the East Kyoga Regional Police Commander, the incident was reported by Enyiau Simon Peter, a 56-year-old resident of the same village.
The suspects have been identified as Otikiri Habert and Odica Benon, both in their early 20s.
The incident occurred on the evening of January 1, 2024, at a bar in Atiira Trading Center. Reports indicate that a group of five young men had pooled their money to purchase a bottle of waragi. However, a friend who had not contributed to the purchase attempted to drink from the bottle.
When the group resisted his attempt, a heated argument ensued, escalating into a physical altercation. The deceased intervened to separate the two parties but was fatally kicked in the ribs during the scuffle. He collapsed and was immediately rushed to a nearby clinic, where medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival.
The two individuals who initiated the fight are reportedly brothers with the same mother but different fathers. Following the incident, all those involved fled the scene.
The deceased’s body was transported to Serere Health Center IV for a post-mortem examination, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. No arrests have been made thus far.
ACP Nachuha strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an act of extreme lawlessness and a blatant disregard for human life. “This unfortunate event underscores the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and the dangers of resorting to violence,” she stated.
Police are urging residents to come forward with any information that could aid in the apprehension of the suspects. Community leaders have also appealed for calm as the authorities work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
