One killed as rival youths clashed in Koboko

By Mike Rwothomio 

A brutal murder has been registered at Koboko Police Station following a violent clash between rival youth groups in Mengo Trading Center, Lobule Sub-County, Koboko District. 

The case, logged under Koboko SD 18/23/04/2025 and CRB 187/2025, stems from a deadly escalation of tensions between the Paduku and Ponyona clans.

However, both parties failed to pursue their complaints. Tensions reignited on April 22, 2025, at around 6:00 PM, when Ponyona clan youths ambushed members of the Paduku clan.

 Elders from both clans attempted to mediate, but the situation spiraled out of control.

During the chaos, Wassa Juma, a 63-year-old Local Council 1 Chairman of Adugule Village and a respected Paduku clan elder, was viciously attacked by Ponyona youths just meters from Mengo Trading Center. 

The assailants fled, leaving Juma bleeding profusely from multiple head wounds.

 Relatives rushed him to Lobule Health Centre III, where he was pronounced dead.

The West Nile regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea, confirmed the incident in a statement , attributing to  the  April 19, 2025, brawl that erupted at approximately 9:00 PM between youths from the Paduku and Ponyona clans during separate disco events in Mengo Trading Center. 

Asea added that,  the altercation led to cross-accusations, with Ponyona youths reporting malicious damage to property and Paduku youths filing assault charges at Lobule Police Station on April 20, 2025.

The crime scene was processed by Scene of Crime Officer D/Sgt Alionzi Joseph, under the supervision of SP Masereka Michael, DPC of Koboko CPS. 

The victim’s body, dressed in a red jersey and dark blue jeans, had already been removed by relatives before police arrival. 

Authorities have arrested one suspect, Sabir Hassan, who is currently detained and assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Police conducted community sensitization to calm tensions between the clans.

 SP Asea Collins, PRO and RCLO, confirmed that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.

Developing story.