By KT Reporter
Kitgum Chief Magistrate, Robert Ekirita, has committed 18-year-old Patrick Ocan to the High Court to face murder charges. Ocan is accused of killing 20-year-old Richard Odongo, a resident of Lamogi Village in Kiteny Sub-county, Kitgum District.
According to the prosecution, on January 6, 2025, Ocan and Odongo got into a quarrel. In a fit of rage, Ocan allegedly picked up a piece of firewood and struck Odongo on the head, killing him instantly. The prosecution further stated that Ocan, during police interrogation after his arrest, admitted to committing the offense.
While reading the charge to the suspect, Magistrate Ekirita ruled that his court lacked jurisdiction to handle capital offenses, thereby committing Ocan to the Kitgum High Court for trial. “Given the nature of the offense, I hereby commit the suspect to the Kitgum High Court for trial,” Ekirita ruled.
“The accused also has the right to apply for bail from there.” Ocan was not allowed to enter a plea, as the Kitgum Chief Magistrate’s Court does not have the authority to handle murder cases. He has been remanded to Kitgum Government Prison-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
