By Alex Pithua
The Territorial Police in Zombo District are investigating the brutal murder of Jimmy Okello, the Chairperson of the Tea Cooperative Union. Okello, 61, a resident of Gwoknyeri village, Abanga parish, Akaa Sub-county, was killed on Thursday night while returning from a football match at Ayaka Primary School playground in the same village.
According to reports, unknown assailants ambushed Okello in Akanukuma village, at Kagera river valley in Akaa sub-county. He was accompanied by two others, Ongewun Charles and Rwothomio Ivan Anewa, who managed to escape the attack. The assailants, armed with machetes, arrows, bows, and pangas, assaulted Okello.
In a retaliatory response on Friday morning, the deceased’s relatives staged an attack on Gwoknyeri, Akor, and Agulu villages. This resulted in the destruction of over 200 grass-thatched houses, the ruin of plantations, the theft of animals and properties, and the injury of Oduburu Patrick, who passed away on Saturday at Holy Family Hospital Nyapea.
Brian Oromcan, the Akaa sub-county chairperson, appealed for relief support for the affected community. Ferdinand Okecha, an affected resident, shared that he and his family sought refuge in Zue sub-county when their village was confronted by attackers.
Local authorities alerted the Police and UPDF, who promptly responded to the scene and managed to quell the anger among the locals. The body of the deceased was taken to Zeu Health Centre III for a postmortem examination before being handed over to his relatives for burial at his maternal home in Alangi sub-county.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection to the incident. Zombo Police reported that the individuals believed to have instigated the crime are still at large. A case involving charges of murder, arson, and malicious damage to property has been officially registered at Paidha Police Station under reference CRB 070/2023.
