Police in Serere District are investigating a murder case following the tragic death of 55-year-old Catherine Apio, a peasant from Abulu Village, Atiira Sub County.
Apio was found strangled at Achilo Trading Centre in the early hours of Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
The incident, recorded under CRB 127/2025 at Serere Central Police Station, was reported by 53-year-old teacher Christopher Emochu Oyen, a resident of the same village.
At around 3am, locals discovered a temporary grass-thatched drinking joint ablaze. Upon inspection, they found Apio's lifeless body inside.
Residents quickly removed the burning thatch to prevent the fire from spreading and alerted authorities.
A police team, including homicide detectives, a canine unit, and scene-of-crime officers, visited the site to gather evidence.
A police dog led officers to the home of Pati Odongo, a resident of Achilo Trading Center, who was suspected of the crime.
However, before police could arrest him, an angry mob tracked him to his father's home and killed him on the spot.
Investigations suggest that Apio was raped before being strangled. She was last seen drinking at a bar owned by Julius Ochen on the evening of March 11, 2025. Authorities suspect that Apio, intoxicated, was unable to return home and became a victim of the crime.
Both bodies have been taken to Serere Health Center IV for postmortem examinations. Police have condemned the act of mob justice and urged the public to leave criminal matters to the law enforcement authorities.
Investigations are ongoing, and police have urged witnesses to come forward with any relevant information.