Adjumani, Uganda: Police in the North West Nile Region have arrested a 62-year-old man accused of murdering his wife following a brutal domestic assault before allegedly attempting suicide by overdosing on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.
The deceased has been identified as Asianzo Francisca, 55, a resident of the area. The suspect, Moi Ode Charles, her husband, allegedly overpowered and assaulted her using sticks during a domestic altercation.
According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson Collins Asea, the incident occurred on February 26, 2026, at around midday, with the assault reportedly beginning earlier at about 7:00am at the couple’s home in Pawinyo Village, Logoangwa Parish, Dzaip Sub-county.
Police say the victim lost consciousness following the assault. Neighbours reportedly advised the suspect to seek immediate medical attention, but he allegedly ignored the advice and left her unattended in the compound.
On February 27 at about 7:00pm, the suspect reportedly discovered his wife’s lifeless body inside their house and the matter was reported to Pagirinya Police Station.
Suspect Attempts Suicide
Responding officers arrested the suspect and launched investigations. During the arrest process, police discovered that he had ingested an overdose of ARV drugs in what is believed to have been an attempted suicide.
Officers intervened and rushed him to hospital for treatment after he regained consciousness. He is currently in custody at Adjumani Police Station pending further investigations.
A murder by assault case has been registered under reference ADJ CRB 114/2026 at Adjumani Central Police Station.
The body of the deceased has been conveyed to Adjumani General Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination. Scene of Crime officers and homicide detectives processed the scene and recorded statements from relatives.
Rising Concern Over Domestic Violence
SP Asea called on community leaders to take domestic violence seriously and report incidents promptly before they escalate. “We call upon local community leadership to take domestic violence issues seriously and report such incidents promptly to authorities,” he said.
Data from the Uganda Police Force 2024 Annual Crime Report indicates that 14,073 domestic violence cases were reported nationwide in 2024 — a 4% decrease from 14,681 cases in 2023. Women and girls constituted over 75% of reported victims.
Authorities warn that many cases remain unreported due to stigma, fear and cultural barriers, urging communities to seek timely intervention to prevent tragic outcomes.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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