LIRA CITY, UGANDA — Police in Lira City East Division are hunting for a man accused of murdering his biological brother following a dispute over an unpaid debt of Shs150,000.
The suspect, identified as Odil Tonny, allegedly killed his 30-year-old brother, Ogwang Jasper, on September 11, 2026, at around 3:00 PM at Barkwoyo Cell, Adekokwok Ward, Lira City East Division.
According to a statement released by SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, the report was filed by Oteng Jonathan, a 31-year-old resident of the same area.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased approached his brother to demand repayment of Shs150,000 he had lent him to purchase iron sheets. The loan had remained unpaid for an extended period. What began as a quarrel quickly escalated into a physical fight, during which Odil allegedly grabbed a hoe and struck Ogwang on the head. Ogwang collapsed and is believed to have died on the spot.
Police were notified, and a case file was opened at Lira City East Division. A team led by the Division CID, the Scene of Crime Officer, the Crime Intelligence Officer, and other officers visited the scene. Statements were recorded from witnesses.
The suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Police have advised him to surrender to any police facility to avoid being lynched by community members.
The deceased’s body was picked up and conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a postmortem examination.
SP Okema described the incident as deeply unfortunate and appealed to family heads and clan leaders to intervene in domestic disagreements before they escalate.
“We appeal to family heads and clan leaders to also prevail over such disagreements to avoid a bigger problem like what we have witnessed,” Okema said.
He assured the public that the case will be investigated to its logical conclusion, and the suspect will face the law once apprehended.
Police have urged anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.
