Arua, Uganda: Police in the West Nile Region recorded four murder cases and a series of road traffic accidents during the Easter holiday period, slightly disrupting what was otherwise described as a generally peaceful celebration.
The five-day Easter period, running from April 2 to April 6, 2026, was largely calm across the region, according to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia.
“Easter celebrations in the West Nile Region ended peacefully,” SSP Angucia said, commending security personnel for maintaining order across the districts.
However, police confirmed four homicide incidents recorded in Terego, Koboko, and Arua. Among the cases, a 29-year-old South Sudanese refugee, Jeina Kasa, was murdered by unknown assailants in Omugo Refugee Settlement in Terego District, with investigations ongoing.
In Koboko District, a 40-year-old woman, Aisha Turuku, was also killed, and her husband, Awezi Busira, has since been arrested to assist with investigations. Another earlier assault case in the same district later escalated into murder, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
In Arua City, a 23-year-old man, Pariyo Jonathan, was lynched by a mob over allegations of cattle theft, highlighting continued concerns around mob justice in the region.
Beyond the murder cases, police raised concern over road safety following eight reported traffic crashes across the region, most of them linked to reckless driving and riding.
The accidents, recorded in districts including Arua, Nebbi, Pakwach, Maracha, and Madi Okollo, left several people injured and claimed one life. The fatal incident occurred in Maracha District, where a motorcycle rider, Adoruti Robinson, died after losing control and falling into a trench along the Maracha–Koboko highway.
Other incidents involved collisions between motorcycles, pedestrian knockdowns, and single-vehicle crashes, with victims sustaining injuries of varying severity and receiving treatment at nearby health facilities.
SSP Angucia emphasized that despite these incidents, the general public remained largely law-abiding throughout the Easter period.
Police have since urged residents to observe road safety regulations and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, particularly in cases involving suspected criminals.
She said investigations into all reported cases are ongoing.
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