By Mike Rwothomio
ARUA CITY
An angry mob attacked Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Ayivu Division Mr Mbigutti Godfrey Jonah, Ayivu Division Mayor Mr Avutia Marlon and a team from the Uganda Red Cross Society on Monday at Odramacaku Trading Centre on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The incident occurred at around 10:40am on 10 August 2026 in Ayivu West Division, Arua City.
According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SSP Josephine Angucia, police had conducted a normal patrol at Odramacaku Border Point from about 7:00am to enforce Ebola prevention guidelines. At the same time, the Deputy RCC, the Division Mayor and their entourage arrived to address residents about opening the Odramacaku market in phases.
She said the trading centre community immediately turned violent over allegations that the team was promoting another animal market at Onduparaka while the one at Odramacaku remained closed.
Residents began throwing stones randomly at the officials.
Angucia added that Security personnel whisked the Deputy RCC and his entourage to Odramacaku Police Station as the mob followed and forcefully demanded their release so they could be lynched, compelling Security forces to discharge bullets to disperse the crowd.
Two people were injured by stray bullets and the injured were identified as Feta Fred and Andama Benson, both adult males resident in Nunu Cell, Anzu Ward, Ayivu West Division, Arua City, were hit by the stray bullets.
The crowd also damaged motor vehicles registered UG 3331C, UP 5724 and UBM 718L.
Police have opened cases of assault, malicious damage to motor vehicles, thefts and unlawful wounding.
Statements were recorded from relevant eye witnesses, the scene of crime was examined and exhibits were documented.
No arrests have been made yet as investigations continue to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Officer in Charge of Onduparaka Police Station said she had not been notified of the community sensitisation programme at the market and therefore could not deploy enough personnel.
The team relied on the few officers already stationed at the border to enforce Ebola standard operating procedures.
Ayivu Division Mayor Hon Avutia Marlon condemned the spread of false information claiming a new animal market was being created in Onduparaka in order to keep the Odramacaku market closed, as well as the incitement of violence by some individuals.
Inquiries continue under Odramacaku Police Post Station Diary reference 10/10/08/2026.
SSP Angucia said: “We condemn the unlawful acts of angry mob taking law into their hands without giving room for proper reasoning and investigations. Instead, we encourage the general public to report matters to Police and other authorities for proper investigations and appropriate lawful action to minimize fatalities, injuries and destructions.”
