Adjumani, Uganda: Police in the North West Nile sub-region have launched investigations into the brutal killing of a 15-year-old South Sudanese refugee in Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement, in what authorities describe as a suspected gang retaliation attack.
The victim, Dut Matiop Chol, a resident of Block E, Cluster 6, was hacked to death at around 8:00 pm on April 24 in Block C, Cluster 5, Egge Village, Ajugopi Parish, Dzaipi Sub-county.
According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Collins Asea, the killing is linked to an ongoing violent rivalry between two youth groups operating within the settlement.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased was attacked by suspected members of the ‘44 Slime Gang’ using sharp pangas. He sustained multiple fatal cuts to the head and died instantly,” Asea said.
Police say the victim was allegedly affiliated with a rival group known as “Clean Heart Niggers” (CHN), which is associated with the Black Warriors faction.
Investigators believe the attack may have been an act of revenge following an earlier incident in January 2026 in which a member of the 44 Slime Gang was reportedly killed.
The incident was first reported to the camp leadership by Akuol Elizabeth, who received a distress call about a violent fight before later confirming the fatal outcome.
Security teams responded swiftly, cordoning off the crime scene and launching forensic and homicide investigations. The body was later evacuated by medical personnel from Medical Teams International and transferred to Adjumani Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.
Police say the suspects fled immediately after the attack and are still on the run.
“We strongly condemn acts of revenge and violence. We are working closely with community leaders to restore calm and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted,” Asea said.
Authorities have appealed to residents within the settlement to cooperate with investigations by providing information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
The killing has heightened concern over rising youth gang activity within refugee settlements, where social tensions, unemployment, and limited opportunities have increasingly been linked to violence.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of homicide remain a major concern, with interpersonal violence, including revenge attacks and group clashes, continuing to contribute significantly to killings across the country.
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