Police Investigate Suspected Murder of 18-Year-Old Found on Kamdini–Lira Highway
Frank Oyugi
OYAM — Authorities in Oyam District have launched a full-scale homicide investigation following the suspicious death of an 18-year-old peasant farmer. The victim's body was discovered with severe injuries on a major roadway early Sunday morning, prompting questions about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
The deceased has been identified as Denis Owiny, a resident of Alyec Village, Akaka Parish, located within the Aber Sub-county. Investigators are currently working to determine the exact timeline of events, focusing on whether Owiny was killed elsewhere and subsequently dumped on the tarmac, or if he was the victim of a targeted hit-and-run incident.
The sequence of events began on Saturday evening, May 16, 2026, when Owiny left his home to attend a dance event at a local bar operated by Patrick Ogwang. The establishment is located in Adak A Village, Ocini Parish, within the Kamdini Sub-county. This was the last location where the victim was seen alive before his tragic discovery the following day.
At approximately 5:00 AM on Sunday morning, passersby discovered Owiny’s body lying directly in the middle of the busy Kamdini–Lira Road at Adak A Village. Local residents immediately alerted the area Local Council Chairperson, who then notified the authorities. A formal report was officially logged at Oyam Central Police Station at 7:30 AM by Bosco Enin, a 64-year-old resident of Alyec Village.
Initial forensic assessments indicate that the body sustained severe trauma consistent with being struck by moving vehicles. However, police stated that the context of how Owiny ended up on the roadway remains highly suspicious and unclear. A specialized team of detectives and uniformed personnel, led by the Oyam District Crime Investigation Department Officer, D/ASP Lucy Ayoo, visited the scene on Sunday morning to secure, examine, and document the area.
Statements have already been recorded from primary witnesses, including the individual who first filed the police report. Owiny’s body has since been transferred to Anyeke Health Centre IV, where a comprehensive postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the precise cause of death.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, confirmed that the case is being treated as a suspected murder. Moving forward, the police department's immediate objectives include securing the official postmortem report, expanding witness interviews to patrons who attended the dance event, and identifying the individuals responsible for leaving Owiny on the roadway. Authorities have urged members of the public with any relevant information to come forward as inquiries continue.
