Lira, Uganda: Police have launched investigations into the alleged murder of a 39-year-old woman who was reportedly stabbed to death following a domestic dispute over a mobile phone in Alit Village, Awiodyek Sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Evaline Atoo, a peasant farmer and resident of Alit Village, Apingmo Parish.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema, the prime suspect is Bonny Olungu, the deceased’s husband, who is currently on the run. “The suspect fled immediately after realising that the victim had succumbed to her injuries and remains at large,” Okema said.
According to preliminary police investigations into the case, it is alleged that earlier on the evening of the incident, Atoo had given her newly acquired mobile phone, reportedly obtained on loan, to her son, Gilbert Okori, and his friend, Solomon Anyap, to purchase data and download music.
After completing the task, the phone was allegedly handed to Olungu. When Atoo returned from fetching water and asked for her phone, he reportedly refused to hand it over.
Upon accessing the device, Olungu allegedly found photographs of two men. Although Atoo explained that the men were her son and his friend, police say the suspect did not believe her.
“It is alleged that Olungu smashed the phone on the ground, damaging it. As Atoo attempted to retrieve it, he allegedly grabbed it first and stabbed her below the left rib cage with a knife,” Okema said.
Witnesses reported that Atoo collapsed and began bleeding profusely. Her son’s attempt to intervene was reportedly met with violence from the suspect before nearby residents stepped in to separate them.
She was rushed to Emmanuel Medical Clinic at Corner Amach but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police say a murder case was registered at Wiodyek Sub-county Police post and later escalated to Lira Rural District for further investigations.
Officers from the Police Force, including the homicide team from Lira Rural Central Police Station and Scenes of Crime personnel, visited and documented the scene.
The suspected murder weapon, a knife, was recovered and exhibited, and statements have been recorded from witnesses.
The body was conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
“The Police strongly condemn all forms of domestic violence and urge members of the public to resolve domestic disputes amicably and seek lawful intervention where necessary,” Okema said, adding that investigations are ongoing into the case.
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