The police in Lira district, northern Uganda, are hunting for a man accused of stabbing his 39-year-old wife to death on Thursday night in Alit village, Awiodyek sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Evaline Atoo, a peasant farmer and resident of Alit village in Apingmo parish. North Kyoga regional police spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema confirmed that the prime suspect is Bonny Olungu, the deceased’s husband, who is currently on the run.
“The suspect fled immediately after realising that the victim had succumbed to her injuries and remains at large,” Okema said.
The case was reported by Morris Okello, a clinical officer and proprietor of Emmanuel Medical Clinic at Corner Amach in Lira district, where Atoo was rushed following the incident.
Preliminary investigations indicate that earlier that evening, Atoo had given her newly acquired mobile phone, reportedly obtained on loan, to her son, Gilbert Okori, and his friend, Solomon Anyap, to purchase data and download music.
After completing the downloads, the phone was allegedly handed to Olungu. According to police, when Atoo returned from fetching water and asked for her phone, Olungu reportedly refused to give it back.
Upon accessing the device, he allegedly found photographs of two men. Although Atoo explained that the men were her son and his friend, police say Olungu did not believe her.
“It is alleged that Olungu smashed the phone on the ground, damaging it. As Atoo attempted to retrieve it, he allegedly grabbed it first and stabbed her below the left rib cage with a knife,” Okema said.
Witnesses reported that Atoo collapsed and began bleeding profusely. Her son’s attempt to intervene was reportedly met with violence from the suspect, prompting nearby residents to step in and separate them. The injured woman was rushed to Emmanuel Medical Clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival.
A murder case was initially registered at Wiodyek sub-county police station and later transferred to Lira Rural central police station for comprehensive investigations. Okema said officers from the area, together with the homicide team from Lira Rural central police station and scenes-of-crime personnel, visited and documented the scene.
The suspected murder weapon, a knife, was recovered and exhibited, and statements have been recorded from relevant witnesses. The body has been conveyed to Lira regional referral hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
Police say intelligence-led operations are ongoing to trace and apprehend the suspect.
“We also advise the suspect to report himself to the nearest police station for statement recording and further legal processes,” Okema said.
About the Author
