UHRC Condemns Mob Killing of Police Officer in Oyam, Calls for Justice
Written by Admin on May 31, 2025
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has strongly condemned the recent mob action that claimed the life of a police officer in Ngai Sub-county, Oyam District, and has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Commission Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, the UHRC expressed concern over the rising cases of mob violence against law enforcement officers. The commission noted that in just over a month, two police officers have lost their lives to mob justice while on duty.
The statement cited an incident on April 6, 2025, where Constable Suleiman Chemonges was killed in a mob attack while providing security at a burial ceremony in Kyembogo Cell, Ibanda Municipality. More recently, on May 18, Constable John Bosco Naturinda met a similar fate in Ngai Sub-county when he and his colleagues attempted to arrest a suspect identified as Ambrose Okwir. The situation turned chaotic when residents became violent, attempting to disarm the officers. In the ensuing scuffle, a local resident, Nelson Ojok Omoding, was accidentally shot dead with an officer’s firearm.
The accidental shooting sparked outrage among the community, leading to a mob attack that left Constable Naturinda dead. The angry residents later descended on Ngai Police Post, destroying property at the station.
According to preliminary investigations cited in the UHRC statement, Constable Naturinda was found to be innocent. It was revealed that the confrontation escalated when Omoding and others tried to grab the officer’s gun, resulting in the accidental shooting. Two other officers also sustained serious injuries during the incident.
The Human Rights Commission has now urged authorities in Oyam District to identify and bring to justice all those involved in the killing and destruction of police property. The commission emphasized the need for arrests and prosecution to deter further acts of lawlessness.
Wangadya reminded citizens that mob justice is not only unlawful but undermines the very security structures meant to protect communities. She called on the public to handle grievances and criminal matters through the established legal systems and to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies rather than turning against them.
She condemned the violence directed at police officers, noting that it is these very officers whom communities rely on in times of distress and danger.
