Norbert Mao & Agency
Police in Gulu City are investigating a double murder that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday in Aringorwot Cell, Techo Ward, Bardege–Layibi Division.
According to a police incident report issued on Wednesday, the attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. and left two young men dead.
Police identified the victims as Daniel Okema, 25, a boda boda rider, and Stephen Oloya, 18, a student. Both were residents of Aringorwot Cell in Gulu City.
Geoffrey Kidega, who reported the incident, told police that the violence followed a night of drinking and social interaction at a resident’s home, where people had gathered to watch an English Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea.
The gathering reportedly included supporters of two rival local political leaders—Patrick Ojara Acellam and Evelyn Laker, both candidates for the Directly Elected Councillor and Woman Councillor positions in Bardege Division.
In his report, Kidega said the confrontation later escalated near a brick-burning site, where four people who have since been arrested allegedly followed the victims.
Police identified the suspects as Emmanuel Opiyo, Patrick Ojara Acellam, Nelson Anyway, Valen Chopi, and Ivan Ogonya.
According to police, the victims were burning bricks when the suspects joined them under the pretext of helping to stoke the kiln.
During the interaction, one of the suspects, identified as Emmanuel Opiyo, allegedly armed himself with a machete and attacked Stephen Oloya, inflicting multiple deep cuts as the victim attempted to flee through a nearby swamp.
Police said Opiyo then turned on Daniel Okema, chased him, and repeatedly cut him on the head and arm. Both victims sustained severe injuries and later died.
After the attack, Opiyo reportedly fled to his home in Wii Layibi Cell before surrendering himself to local leaders, who later handed him over to police at Gulu West Police Division.
The Aswa West Police Public Relations Officer, David Ongom Mudong, confirmed the incident and said police believe the motive was political.
