By Tolit Ivan
At least six suspected criminals have been killed by angry mobs in Gulu City in the last one month, according to a report by the Gulu City Security Committee, a vice that violates the country’s Constitution and numerous human rights principles, as it involves extrajudicial punishment without a fair trial.
The latest incident happened on Dec, 31 2025 where a man identified as Lawrence Okodi Lawrence, a resident of Lira City was lynched by a group of an angry mob on allegations of stealing a motorcycle in Oguru Cell, Laroo-Pece Division.
The victims were the nine unclaimed bodies that were on Monday buried at Gulu City Cemetery.
Recently, Fiona Opoka, the Uganda Human Rights Commission Regional Coordinator, said mob justice violates one’s right to live, warning that whoever is suspected of being involved in mob justice will face 15 years in jail and a fine of UGX 7.5 million.
According to the 2024 police annual crime report, a total of 1,016 cases of murder by mob were registered compared to 1,039 in 2023.
Despite its clear illegality, the practice of mob justice persists in Uganda, often driven by public frustration with perceived corruption, delays, and a lack of trust in the formal justice system.
