By Steven Enatu
SERERE
Serere Central Police Station is investigating a suspected murder by assault that occurred on the night of 24th December 2024 at Agure Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church, located in Ocuko Village, Omagara Parish, Kateta Sub County, Serere District.
The tragic incident came to light when it was reported to police on the morning of 26th December 2024 by Joseph Erutu, a 38-year-old resident of Agigiroi Village, Omagara Parish.
The deceased, identified as Pastor John Ekamu Michael, aged 52, was a leader of Agure PAG Church and a resident of Osokotoit Village in Kateta Parish. The suspect in the case is Osagani, a male adult believed to be around 30 years old, the son of Ogwang Simon, and a resident of Mutebe Village in Omagara Parish.
Speaking about the incident in press statement, the Kyoga East Regional Police Commander, Damali Nachuah said preliminary police investigations indicate that Osagani had traveled from Kampala on 24th December 2024 and was taken directly to the church by his father, who claimed his son was battling demonic attacks.
During the prayer session at around 11:30 PM, it is alleged that Osagani kicked Pastor Ekamu, causing him to fall. Despite this incident, the prayer session continued, and the suspect, along with the pastor and other worshipers, stayed overnight in the church.
The following morning, during Christmas Day prayers, Pastor Ekamu reportedly collapsed on the pulpit at approximately 8:30 AM. Congregants attempted to convince him to seek medical attention, but he declined, stating, “The devil has been defeated.”
As his condition worsened, Pastor Ekamu was rushed to Serere Health Center IV, where medical personnel discovered internal injuries, including cuts to the pancreas. Despite undergoing emergency surgery at 3:00 PM, he succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased’s body was transported to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.
The East Kyoga Region, particularly Serere District, has seen a concerning rise in homicide cases this year. Police records indicate that 16 murder cases have been reported in 2024, with six of these involving assaults.
