UHRC Chairperson Wangadya Condemns Brutal Lynching of Police Constable
By Editorial (editor@vol.co.ug)
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has strongly condemned the recent killing of a police officer in Ngai Sub-county, Oyam District, during a violent confrontation with local residents.
On 18th May 2025, tensions escalated in Ngai Sub-county following a police operation that turned deadly.
The incident resulted in the tragic death of a civilian and the subsequent lynching of a police officer by enraged members of the public.
The confrontation began when Constable Naturinda Johnson, attached to Ngai Police Station, attempted to arrest a suspect accused of motorcycle theft.
According to reports, the suspect fled, prompting Naturinda to fire warning shots into the air. Unfortunately, one of the bullets fatally struck Nelson Ojok Omoding, a resident of Tecik village.
Omoding succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to Ngai Health Centre III.
The shooting sparked immediate outrage among locals, leading to a mob attack in which Constable Naturinda was killed.
In a statement, UHRC Chairperson Mariam Fauzat Wangadya acknowledged receiving reports indicating that during the attempted arrest of one Okwir Ambrose, two individuals; Ojok Nelson Omoding and Okello Smart allegedly tried to disarm the officer, resulting in the fatal shooting.
Wangadya emphasized that while excessive force by law enforcement must be investigated and addressed, mob justice is illegal and cannot be justified under any circumstances.
She further cited Article 17(1)(f) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which obligates every citizen to respect the rights and freedoms of others and to refrain from acts that undermine public order, including obstructing law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties.
She urged the community to resolve grievances through lawful means and to collaborate with security agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands.
Wangadya also commended the Oyam District Security Committee and the North Kyoga Regional Police Commander for their swift response and cooperation in handling the matter.
