Patrick Okema
Dokolo District — Police in Dokolo District have arrested two suspects in connection with the brutal killing of an 18-year-old girl who was attacked while collecting firewood in Agwata Forest, police have confirmed.
The deceased, Angwech Mariam, was allegedly murdered on December 24, 2025, in Agwata Forest, located in Bung Cell, Amuda Central Ward, Agwata Town Council, Dokolo District.
According to the North Kyoga Regional Police Public Relations Officer, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the incident was reported to police at Agwata Town Council Police Station by Okwir Sam, a 62-year-old resident of Alit Village, Rao Parish, Awiodyek Sub-county, Lira District.
Preliminary investigations indicate that at around 10:00 a.m., Angwech Mariam had gone to the forest with her colleague, Apio Vicky, to collect firewood using a bicycle. While in the forest, the two reportedly encountered an unidentified man who demanded payment for the firewood and threatened sexual violence.
Police say the suspect forcefully grabbed Angwech Mariam and dragged her deeper into the forest. Apio Vicky managed to escape and raised an alarm while running to seek help. She later reached a nearby trading centre, where boda-boda riders mobilised residents to search the forest.
The group later discovered Angwech Mariam’s body lying in a pine plantation with fatal cut injuries to the neck. The matter was immediately reported to police.
A case of murder by cutting was registered, and statements were recorded from key witnesses, including Apio Vicky and a boda-boda rider who helped recover the body. The crime scene was visited and documented by Scenes of Crime Officers, under the supervision of the District CID Officer, D/ASP Odoch Mark Origa.
The body was conveyed to Dokolo Health Centre IV Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Police deployed a K9 dog unit from Dokolo Central Police Station, which tracked suspects to a camp housing casual labourers working with China Forest International Development (CFID) in Agwata Forest. Two suspects were arrested to assist with investigations.
The suspects were identified as Okello Bonny (18) and Ojungu Agad (17), both casual labourers attached to CFID and residents of Agwata Town Council.
SP Okema strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a “heinous and primitive act,” and assured the public that police are committed to thoroughly investigating the case to ensure justice for the deceased and her family. He called for calm and cooperation from the community as investigations continue.
Police say further updates will be provided as inquiries progress.
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