Buyende, Uganda: Police in Eastern Uganda’s Buyende District are hunting for Reverend Father Owori Silver Osuna, a Catholic priest attached to Wesunire Parish, in connection with the suspected murder of a 14-year-old boy, Joseph Kirya, who was allegedly beaten to death over a theft accusation.
According to a police statement issued by Busoga North Regional Spokesperson ASP Kasadha Micheal, the juvenile victim, a resident of Wesunire in Makanga Ward, Buyende Town Council, reportedly went missing after being accused of stealing Shs5 million from the priest’s room.
Initial findings suggest that upon returning and discovering the money missing, Fr. Owori mobilised a manhunt for the teenager with the help of one Gabula Robert, a driver, and another accomplice identified only as Waiswa.
“The suspect was caught on Friday, August 1, at around 5:00 pm and taken to the church, where he was allegedly assaulted and later locked in the parish store overnight,” ASP Kasadha said.
On Saturday morning, August 2, Fr. Owori reported a case of theft to the police, claiming the boy had stolen his money, and requested that officers pick him from the church premises.
“However, when our officer arrived and was directed to the store, he found the lifeless body of Kirya. By then, the Reverend Father had already fled,” the police spokesperson confirmed.
A team of detectives responded and examined the body before handing it over to the family for burial. Investigations remain ongoing.
Police strongly condemned what it termed “acts of illegal detention and mob justice” that resulted in the death of a juvenile.
“We want to make it clear that while any individual can effect an arrest, the legal power to detain suspects after arrest lies solely with the police,” ASP Kasadha added.
Both Fr. Owori and his accomplices are still at large. Authorities have launched a district-wide manhunt and appealed to the public to provide any information that could lead to their arrest.
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