By Mike Rwothomio

A police constable was shot in the stomach by a stray bullet fired by fellow officers during a crowd management operation in Ayivu East Division on January 2, 2026, as authorities responded to a violent mob action stemming from an alleged domestic murder and arson spree.

According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, territorial police in Ayivu East are probing multiple offenses, including murder, arson, and causing grievous harm, following an incident reported at approximately 4:00 a.m. in Ojepi Cell, Aliba Ward.

Angucia said the sequence of events began on January 1, 2026, when suspect Jurua Scandle, a 28-year-old Lugbara male resident of Ojepi Cell, and his wife, Opiru Gloria, a 25-year-old housewife, visited Aliba trading center for New Year celebrations.

A domestic dispute escalated after they returned home around 3:00 a.m.

"At around 3:00 am they were sighted going back to their home. At 4:00 am, the two started a fight in which the husband suspectedly strangled the wife to death and took off leaving the dead body in the house," Angucia stated.

Relatives of the deceased allegedly mobilized and torched 15 houses belonging to the suspect's family while destroying additional property in a retaliatory mob attack.

Police deployed to the scene to quell the unrest. The angry mob reportedly pelted officers with stones, prompting aerial warning shots for crowd dispersal.

One stray bullet fatally struck Otubo, a 20-year-old male peasant from Odrovu Cell, who died instantly.

During the same crowd management effort, Police Constable Wadri William, attached to Ayivu East Police Division, sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach from a stray bullet and was rushed to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.

Investigators visited the crime scene, documented evidence, recovered 13 spent cartridges for ballistic examination, and transferred the bodies of Opiru Gloria and Otubo to Arua City mortuary for postmortem.

No witness statements were recorded as individuals fled the scene, and no arrests have been made.

Inquiries continue under Ayivu East Division reference CRB 001/2026, with the prime suspect, Jurua Scandle, still at large.

Police condemned the escalation from domestic violence to murder, vigilante arson, and assault on officers, urging the public to resolve disputes amicably and report crimes lawfully rather than resorting to mob justice.

"When investigations are over, whoever took part in the unlawful act will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law," Angucia emphasized.

SSP Josephine Angucia, West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub