Gulu City, Uganda: A 37-year-old security guard has been arrested in Gulu City after allegedly beating his girlfriend to death using the butt of his gun in a violent domestic dispute at a petrol station.
Police identified the suspect as Albert Okonye, attached to 7 Guidance Security Company, who is accused of killing Barbara Faith Akello on Tuesday night at Shine Petrol Station in Layibi Centre.
According to Aswa Regional Police Spokesperson David Ongom Mudong, the incident happened at around 11:00 pm when the victim visited the suspect at his workplace, where a confrontation reportedly broke out after Okonye suspected her of having an affair following a phone call she received.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect struck the victim repeatedly on the head using the butt of his firearm, causing fatal injuries,” Mudong said.
He added that a colleague who attempted to intervene was threatened, with the suspect allegedly attempting to shoot him before fleeing the scene.
Security operatives later tracked down Okonye and arrested him. Police also recovered an SMG rifle with a broken butt, believed to have been used in the attack. He is currently detained at Gulu Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene, with one witness saying they heard loud shouting before seeing the suspect assault the victim while armed.
Crime scene officers documented the scene and conveyed the body to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
Police say the case file will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for legal guidance before the suspect is arraigned in court.
The incident adds to growing concerns over domestic violence and misuse of firearms by security personnel. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of domestic violence remain among the leading drivers of violent crime, with many escalating into fatal incidents.
Residents of Layibi Centre have expressed shock over the killing, describing it as a tragic act that has shaken the community.
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