Arua City, Uganda: A police constable officer was shot in the stomach by a stray bullet fired by fellow officers during a scuffle in Ayivu East Division, which left two people dead amid violent mob unrest triggered by an alleged domestic murder and retaliatory arson in the early hours of January 2, 2026.
According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SSP Josephine Angucia, police in Ayivu East Division are investigating multiple offences, including murder, arson and causing grievous harm following chaos reported at around 4:00am in Ojepi Cell, Aliba Ward.
Angucia said the violence followed a domestic dispute involving Jurua Scandle, a 28-year-old Lugbara man from Ojepi Cell, and his wife Opiru Gloria, a 25-year-old housewife.
The couple had earlier joined New Year celebrations at Aliba Trading Centre before returning home at about 3:00 am.
“At around 3:00 am, the two were seen returning to their home. At about 4:00 am, a fight broke out in which the husband is suspected to have strangled his wife to death before fleeing and leaving the body in the house,” Angucia said.
Relatives of the deceased woman allegedly mobilised community members who torched at least 15 houses belonging to the suspect’s family and destroyed other property in a retaliatory mob attack.
Police were deployed to restore order but were met with violent resistance, with the mob pelting officers with stones.
In an attempt to disperse the crowd, police fired warning shots into the air, and tragically, one stray bullet struck Otubo, a 20-year-old male peasant from Odrovu Cell, killing him instantly.
During the same operation, Police Constable Wadri William, attached to Ayivu East Police Division, was hit in the stomach by a stray bullet and rushed to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Police later visited the scene, documented evidence and recovered 13 spent cartridges for ballistic examination. The bodies of Opiru Gloria and Otubo were taken to Arua City Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
No witness statements were immediately recorded as residents fled the scene, and no arrests have so far been made. Investigations are ongoing under Ayivu East Division reference CRB 001/2026, with the prime suspect, Jurua Scandle, still on the run.
SSP Angucia condemned the escalation from domestic violence to murder, vigilante arson and attacks on police officers, warning that all those involved will be held accountable. “When investigations are complete, whoever took part in these unlawful acts will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law,” she said.
Police urged the public to resolve disputes amicably and report crimes through lawful channels instead of resorting to mob justice.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
