Lira businessman Ogwang shoots dead own son

A prominent businessman in Lira city, northern Uganda has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son dead.

Hajji Joe Ogwang, a resident of Ireda Estate is accused of killing his son, Aaron Okello, during a heated altercation at Tipper stage in Kamuswahili Cell on Tuesday. The incident occurred while Ogwang was conducting his daily business. Reports suggest that a confrontation arose when Okello demanded money from Ogwang.

This led to a struggle in which Okello attempted to disarm his father, prompting him to fire a bullet that fatally injured his son. Okello was rushed to Lira Medical Center but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Ogwang voluntarily surrendered to the Lira central police station. 

North Kyoga police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema revealed that preliminary findings indicate that Okello was a UPDF deserter with a history of violence. Additionally, a pistol no UG IND 99702870, along with 5 rounds of ammunition, was recovered.

“The gun which was allegedly used in the shooting has been recovered with five rounds of ammunition and exhibited. We’re yet whether the suspect acquired the pistol legally through the license that he will present to us,” said Okema.

The deceased’s body is lying at Lira regional referral hospital’s mortuary pending a postmortem examination. In a surprising turn, numerous city residents took to social media advocating for Ogwang’s immediate release, asserting that his actions prevented violent crimes in the city.

They claimed the deceased had masterminded criminal activities, especially in areas like Central Park and Ireda Shamba. The deceased’s former schoolmate described him as a “violent person” who frequently engaged in physical altercations, even with school authorities. 

“I shared the same class with Okello. Nigger was possessed with fighting; he would fight students, cooks, askaris, teachers, and anyone who comes his way. When he was dismissed from school at the assembly, he went in front to receive his expulsion letter and immediately tore it right there in the presence of everyone and majestically matched out of the gate in peace. Nigger was a legend!’ he said.     

Nancy Abeja, a hotel owner near Tipper Stage, recounted instances where the deceased had troubled his father and harassed city residents at night. However, Abeja criticized the father for taking the law into his own hands.