UHRC Chairperson Wangadya Condemns Brutal Murder of a police officer In Oyam Called for Intensive Investigation

UHRC Chairperson Wangadya Condemns Brutal Murder of a police officer In Oyam Called for Intensive Investigation 

By Jimmy Olot 

Oyam, Uganda — The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Marriam Wangadya, has condemned the recent brutal murder of a police officer in Oyam District. 

The incident has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns over rising violence and lawlessness.

In a statement issued, Marriam Wangadya, the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission expressed deep concern over the violence and called for justice and thorough investigations into the incident.

The UHRC condemned the alarming trend of mob violence that led to the death of Constable John Bosco Naturinda, an officer working at Ngai Police Station on May 18, 2025.

In a span of two months, Uganda has lost two police officers in a violence mob action according to a UHRC report. 

In the span of just over a month, Uganda has witnessed two brutal acts of lawlessness. On 6thApril 2025, Constable Suleiman Chemonges was lynched in Kyembogo Cell, Ibanda Municipality while providing security at a burial ceremony, following the accidental ceremony. On 18thMay 2025, Constable John Bosco Naturinda was fatally attacked by a mob in Ngai Sub-county, Oyam District, following the accidental shooting of a civilian, Ojok Nelson Omoding.

 Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was triggered when deceased Ojok Nelson Omoding and another individual, Okello Smart, intervened at Ngai Police Station to attempt to release suspects from custody and destroy vital case files. Instead of lawful review, the situation escalated into lawlessness.

“On that day, a group of civilians, including Omoding and Okello, attacked police officers while attempting to apprehend Okwir Ambrose. During the chaos, Constable Naturinda was lynched on the spot, and his colleagues sustained serious injuries. The mob's violence also resulted in the destruction of government property and the loss of vital files. “ part of the statements. 

Wangadya emphasized that mob justice is criminal and cannot be justified under any circumstances. "This form of violence is not only immoral but also a serious breach of the law. 

She urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and emphasized the importance of upholding human rights standards during investigations. Wangadya also called on the public to cooperate with authorities and remain vigilant against violence and injustice.

The recent murders have sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice across Uganda. The UHRC reaffirmed its commitment to defending human rights and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous acts are held accountable. 

UHRC further condemned the mob’s actions describing it as a total violation of the right to life, the right to due process, the right to freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment as enshrined in chapter four of the constitution of Uganda.

“ We call on the Uganda Police Force to expedite investigations and ensure all 

for “mob justice”in a lawful society. 

She commended the swift response by the District Security Committee of Oyam, local leaders and regional administration of police for ensuring managing the situation.