By Mike Rwothomio 

A routine police rescue operation in Pokwero Market Village, Pukweru Parish, Pukweru Sub County, Pakwach District turned perilous yesterday when a stray bullet struck an innocent bystander amid a violent mob confrontation.

The incident, registered under reference SD: 45/05/07/2025 and tied to theft case Pakwach PKH/CRB/270/2025, has raised fresh concerns about public safety and mob vigilantism in Pakwach District.

At approximately 10:00 AM on July 5, 2025, Pakwach Police Station officers responded to a distress call reporting that two theft suspects, Omirambe David, 25, and Oloya Simon, 32, both peasant farmers from Ayabu Village, Ragem Upper Parish, Ragem Sub County, were being held by an enraged mob.

The situation escalated when the crowd set fire to one suspect’s motorcycle, intensifying tensions.

As officers moved to secure the suspects and transfer them to Panyango Police Station, the mob turned hostile, smashing a police vehicle’s side mirror and threatening further violence.

SP Collins Asea, the North and West Nile regional police spokesperson confirmed the incident.

In a bid to restore order, police discharged firearms into the air. Tragically, a stray bullet struck Oketwengu Charles, 32, a peasant farmer from Acuma Village, who was not involved in the altercation.

According to Police, Charles, known locally as Oyuda, was immediately rushed to Pakwach Health Centre IV, where he remains under medical observation. His condition has sparked outrage among residents.

SP Collins Asea, North and West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, described the chaotic scene, noting that officers were also tasked with rescuing the GISO of Pokwero Sub-county, who faced threats of lynching.

“This was a highly volatile situation,” Asea said. “We condemn attacks on officers and urge the public to avoid mob justice, which endangers innocent lives.”

The incident underscores ongoing challenges outlined in the Uganda Police Force’s 2024 Annual Crime Report, released February 19, 2025. While overall crime dropped 4.1% from 228,074 cases in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024, theft remains the top reported offense, comprising 28% of cases (61,529 incidents).

Mob actions, particularly in rural areas like Pakwach, continue to complicate law enforcement efforts, often escalating minor disputes into life-threatening confrontations.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the stray bullet and the broader incident. The Uganda Police Force reiterated its commitment to community policing and urged residents to report crimes through official channels to prevent such tragedies.

Updates on Charles’ condition and the investigation are expected as new details emerge.This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by mob violence and the ripple effects on innocent bystanders like Oketwengu Charles, whose life was altered in a moment of chaos.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa