Police in the North West Nile Region are investigating the death of Warder Mathaeus Wegumba, 30, attached to Openzinzi Prison, following a herbal ritual linked administered to recover a stolen motorcycle.
According to authorities, the incident involves another warder, Daniel Ogwok, who reportedly sought the services of a witch-doctor, identified only as Emmanuel, to help identify individuals suspected of stealing his motorcycle from the prison barracks.
On March 12, 2026, at around 1pm, Ogwok reportedly brought the witch-doctor to the prison and mobilised warders for the ritual.
Herbal medicine was administered to several officers as part of the ceremony intended to reveal the thief.
The treatment caused severe reactions among three warders—Wegumba, Felix Twinomugisa, and one identified only as Akatukwasa.
They were rushed to the prison clinic, but despite further herbal remedies administered under the witch doctor’s instructions, Warder Wegumba died, while the other two recovered.
Police were notified immediately and launched an investigation. L/CPL Yese Kibedi, a prison warder, has been arrested to assist with inquiries. Ogwok and the witch-doctor remain at large.
The body of Wegumba was taken to Adjumani General Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Superintendent of Police Collins Asea, spokesperson for the North West Nile region, confirmed the case and said homicide detectives and forensic officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Statements from prison authorities and witnesses have already been recorded.
SP Asea warned the public against relying on witch doctors for criminal investigations, urging that suspected crimes be reported to police for lawful handling.
“The public should refrain from seeking herbal or witch doctor solutions for such issues and instead report cases to the police so that lawful investigations can be carried out,” he said.
Police have appealed to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to report to the nearest police station.
The investigation has been registered under Adjumani CRB 12/2026, and inquiries are ongoing.
