Police in North Kyoga Region are investigating three separate incidents in Lira City and Lira District, including two suspected murders, while 42 suspects were arrested in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected criminals.
In the first incident, police are investigating the suspected mob murder of Alany Gerald, 25, a self-employed resident of Obutuwelo A Cell, Ojwina Ward C, Lira City West Division.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the incident occurred during the night of August 24, 2026, after the deceased and his alleged accomplices reportedly broke into a house in Obutuwelo A Cell and stole household property.
Police said the group later returned to the same home for more items, but Gerald was reportedly apprehended by the homeowner while his colleagues escaped.
He was allegedly assaulted by members of the household before other community members joined in, resulting in his death. His body was later dumped in the middle of the road.
Police responded to the scene, which was processed and documented by scenes-of-crime officers and homicide detectives. The body was conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
No arrests had been made by Wednesday, although police said efforts to identify and apprehend suspects were ongoing.
In a separate incident, police in Lira District are investigating the suspected murder of Ongenyo Tonny, 44, whose body was discovered in Awiodyek swamp on August 25.
Police said Tonny disappeared on August 22 after parking his motorcycle at his home and reportedly walking to a nearby trading centre.
His relatives searched for him without success until August 25, when a biological son reported his disappearance at Wiodyek Sub-County Police Station.
Later that day, relatives taking cattle to the swamp reportedly detected a bad smell and discovered Tonny’s decomposing body lying naked.
Police from Lira District Central Police Station visited the scene, which was documented by scenes-of-crime officers. Statements were recorded and the body was taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary pending postmortem.
Police said no suspect had been arrested, but intelligence efforts were underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Meanwhile, police in Lira City Central conducted an intelligence-led operation from the night of August 25 to the morning of August 26 targeting suspected criminals in Te-Alok, Atego Ward, Starch Factory and Tekulu-Ojwina.
The operation followed public complaints over alleged housebreaking, theft, simple robbery and phone snatching in the areas.
According to Okema, 42 suspects were arrested during the operation.
Police also recovered suspected opium, pangas, four head spears, aviation fuel and a knife, which were exhibited as evidence.
The suspects are being held at police stations pending joint screening with local leaders. Police said files will be compiled and submitted to the Resident Chief State Attorney for legal guidance before the suspects are taken to court.
Okema appealed to members of the public to provide information to security agencies and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He urged communities to apprehend suspected offenders and hand them over to police for investigation and prosecution through the courts.
Police also assured residents that similar operations would continue in other areas of Lira City to curb criminal activity.