Police in Lira District are investigating the murder of 39-year-old Evaline Atoo, who was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband, Bonny Olungu, during a domestic dispute over a mobile phone.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening at Alit Village in Awiodyek Sub-county, reflecting a troubling rise in fatal domestic violence cases in Northern Uganda.
According to North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, preliminary investigations show that Atoo had given her newly acquired smartphone to her son and his friend to buy internet data and download songs.
Afterward, the phone was handed to her husband.
Tensions escalated when Atoo returned from fetching water and demanded the device back. Police say Olungu allegedly discovered photographs of two men on the phone.
Despite explanations that they were her son and his friend, Olungu reportedly smashed the phone and stabbed Atoo below the left rib cage.
“The victim reportedly fell down and began bleeding profusely. When her son attempted to intervene, the suspect allegedly turned violent towards him before those present separated them and advised that the injured woman be rushed for medical attention,” SP Okema said.
Atoo was taken to Emmanuel Medical Clinic Corner Amach but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police recovered a knife believed to have been used in the attack, and her body was taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
Olungu reportedly fled from the clinic after realizing Atoo had died and remains at large.
“The Police strongly condemn all forms of domestic violence and urge members of the public to resolve domestic disputes amicably and seek lawful intervention where necessary,” SP Okema said.
Recent incidents in the Lango sub-region indicate a disturbing pattern of fatal disputes arising from household disagreements.
Police records show that assault remains the leading cause of killings, followed by mob justice and domestic violence, highlighting growing concern over how everyday conflicts are turning deadly in the region.
