Amuru, Uganda. The baffling death of Dr. Samuel Ochora, the District Veterinary Officer (DVO) during the eviction operation is a tragic incident that has raised questions and prompted a thorough investigation by both UPDF and the police.
The implementation of President Yoweri Museveni’s Executive Order 3 to evict non-compliant Balaalos, or illegal migrant cattle owners, in northern Uganda recently took a tragic ‘bizarre’ turn. Ochora lost his life during a field trip related to the eviction process.
This incident prompted a joint investigation by the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defence Forces) and the police to determine the circumstances surrounding Ochora’s death.
On January 25, 2024, at around 10:20 pm, tragedy struck at Kololo police post, Akee village, Lakang sub-county in Amuru District. Ochora was fatally shot during the eviction operation by RA/177787 LCpl.
Francis Ekiu, a member of the 65th Battalion. The bullet, discharged from Ekiu’s weapon, initially shattered his foot before fatally hitting Ochora, who occupied a seat behind the driver.
The senior veterinary officer died instantly. The suspect, LCpl. Ekiu, is currently in custody at the 4th Division headquarters for further management.
The Homicide team from Amuru Central Police Station (CPS) is actively investigating the murder case under CRB 43/2024 at Amuru Central Police Station.
According to David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa River West sub-region Police Spokesperson, LCpl. Ekiu accidentally shot himself in the process, and he is receiving treatment at UPDF 4th Division barracks.
Telesphor Turyamumanya, the UPDF Fourth Division Spokesperson, confirmed the unfortunate incident, describing it as an accident.
He mentioned that LCpl. Ekiu, the shooter, also sustained injuries during the incident and is currently receiving medical attention. Turyamumanya expressed the UPDF’s commitment to a peaceful eviction process.
Col Deo Akiiki, the Deputy Army Spokesperson, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the accidental shooting occurred while LCpl. Ekiu was preparing for an operation in Kidimon, Lakanga sub-county, around midnight on Thursday.
Background on Eviction Process
Amuru District has been actively involved in implementing President Museveni’s Executive Order 3, aimed at evicting non-compliant Balaalos.
The eviction process involves various authorities, including the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), the District Chairman (LC5), the DVO (now late Dr. Ochora), and Local Councilors.
The operation is backed by both the police and the UPDF, with guidance from the state minister for Northern Uganda as the chief leader.
President’s Executive Order
President Museveni issued Executive Order 3 on May 19, 2023, directing non-compliant Balaalos with no proper fenced farmland in northern Uganda to vacate the region by November 24, 2023.
The deadline was extended from June 30 to November 4, with a three-week ultimatum given during a meeting with cattle keepers in Okidi Parish, Atiak sub-county.
As of January 12, 2024, 2,233 cattle had been impounded in Amuru District, with 2,060 already evicted through the Karuma border.
Dr. Ochora’s death closely mirrors the alleged attempted murder of controversial pastor Aloysius Bujjingo, both cases prompting extensive investigations by law enforcement agencies.
The Bujjingo Shooting
The mysterious shooting incident involving Bujjingo, the leader of House of Worship Ministries, has captured the attention of the Special Investigations Division (SID) at the CID Headquarters in Kibuli.
The alleged attempted murder of Pastor Bujjingo and the murder of his bodyguard, Richard Muhumuza, occurred on January 2, 2024, around 10 pm, at Bawalakata zone in Namungoona parish, Kawempe division. This incident has prompted the CID to take swift action, given the gravity of the situation.
The aftermath of the incident has seen a surge of information on the internet, social media, and various fringe platforms, presenting myriad versions and statements.
Unfortunately, many of these narratives are sensational and unfounded, causing distress to families who have experienced similar tragedies.
The majority of these fringe beliefs are attributed to bloggers mainly based in UAE, Turkey, and Boston, further complicating the public discourse surrounding the incident.
Despite partial leaks of police findings to the media through informal sources, the CID stressed its commitment to a thorough and unbiased investigation.
The CID has assembled a competent team actively gathering witness statements, retrieving post-mortem reports, examining CCTV footage, and conducting forensic and ballistic analyses.
The aim is to comprehensively evaluate the available information and ensure a meticulous flow of investigations.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CID appeals to anyone with information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects, as well as the recovery of the weapon used (a pistol), to come forward.
Individuals are encouraged to contact the Special Investigations Division at CID headquarters in Kibuli or contact the task team through the provided telephone contact: 0741111333.
To incentivize public cooperation, a substantial cash reward of Ugx20 million awaits anyone providing credible information that leads to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the weapon.
A promise has been made to provide a progressive report on the investigation in due course, stressing transparency in the process.
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