Napak, Uganda | URN | Three mourners were killed in a scuffle that erupted on Sunday 29, January 2023 in Napak district during a funeral procession for the late Margrate Achan, 62, who died in a house fire.
The fire gutted 10 grass-thatched huts in Kalomerisiep village in Lorengecora sub-county on Saturday 28th afternoon. Achan got trapped in her grass-thatched hut where her body was burnt beyond recognition.
However, during her burial on Sunday 29th, a scuffle broke out between the relatives of the deceased and those of a nine-year-old child who is alleged to have caused the fire resulting in her death.
Micheal Longole, Mt Moroto Regional police spokesperson said that the scuffle between the two families led to the death of two mourners who were lynched by a mob.
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Longole said police responded quickly and calm down the situation amidst resistance from some people who were carrying stones, bows, and arrows that tried to harm the officers.
According to Longole, the mob action prompted officers to fire live bullets to disperse them, unfortunately, a stray bullet hit a one Mariko Achia killing him on spot.
‘’It is not in our policy to shoot to kill unless the life of officers on duty is at stake,’’ Longole said.
He says that they have opened up a case of murder by shooting as investigations into the incident are ongoing.
