Ex-soldier on the run after shooting wife in gambling dispute

Abim, (UG): The Territorial Police in Kidepo region and Abim CPS are on a serious manhunt for a 53-year-old retired soldier over the attempted murder by shọ́oting after he shot his wife’s right eye with a bow and arrow and robbed her shop of Ugx 7m in the process.

Owiny Patrick alias Ocaya is said to have injured his wife, Apio Grace, aged 51, using a bow and arrow in an incident that happened on the 24th of January, 2024, at around 11 pm, in Abim West Cell in Abim District.

According to preliminary facts gathered, it is alleged that on the fateful day of 24th Jan 2024, both Owiny and one Ongom David were gambling at the shop of the victim Apio Grace when Ongom won all the money to Owiny the husband to the victim.

In a fit of jealousy and anger, Owiny started a fight with Ongom, demanding for the refund of his money and in the process, the wife intervened.

“The suspect picked a bow and arrow, so as to shoot at Ongom, but when his wife tried to stop him, he diverted the bow and arrow, towards his wife and shot her to the right eye. He further robbed Ugx 7m, from his wife’s shop and disappeared with it,” SCP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson told journalists during a security briefing session in Kampala on Monday morning.

In the aftermath of the shooting incident, Enanga says the victim was rushed to Abim Hospital and thereafter, referred to St. Marys Lacor Hospital in Gulu for further management.

“She is currently out of danger. However, the arrow blinded her right eye, after it penetrated her eye socket and remained embedded there. Both the victim, her children and the community are traumatized by the assault,” stated Enanga.

“The incident shows the level of violence in domestic settings. We further call upon persons living under vulnerable domestic settings to always contact the Child and Family Protection Officer at the nearest police station,” he added.