Patrick Okema
Police in Alebtong District are investigating the death of a 47-year-old man who collapsed during an alleged prayer ritual held in Akura Sub-county, North Kyoga Region.
The incident was reported on January 20, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. at Akura Police Station by Ayo Jimmy, a resident of Lira District. The deceased has been identified as Ayo Sam Kundu, a peasant from Ayamo Village, Barr Sub-county, Lira District.
According to preliminary police findings, the prayers were organised by one Opio Stephen of Agira Village, Alebtong District, who allegedly lost his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle in December 2025. Instead of reporting the loss to police, Opio reportedly opted to recover the motorcycle through prayers meant to spiritually identify the suspected thief.
On January 19, 2026, Opio is said to have invited a group of self-styled prayer warriors, commonly known as the Buteleja Group, from Kalaki District to conduct prayers at his home. During the ritual, participants allegedly drank unsweetened tea and took part in symbolic acts involving two hens, one of which was slaughtered.
Police say that after the prayers, several participants developed complications, including extreme drowsiness. Three individuals—Odwar Kenneth, Omara Akato and Ayo Sam Kundu—were seriously affected. Kundu’s condition reportedly worsened while still at Opio’s home, where he collapsed and later died.
A man only identified as Emmanuel from Kaberamaido District has been named as a suspect, and investigations are ongoing to establish his role in the incident.
Police officers visited and documented the scene, opened a case file (ALEBTONG DEF:003/2026), and conveyed the body to Alebtong Health Centre IV mortuary pending postmortem examination.
According to Police, preliminary findings indicate that the community members participated voluntarily in the prayers and that some local leaders may have sanctioned the ritual.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, cautioned the public against resorting to witchcraft or unregulated rituals, urging communities to report criminal cases to police.
Investigations are continuing to determine the exact cause of death, the substances involved, and the responsibility of all individuals connected to the incident.
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