Police in Serere District have arrested a businessman to assist in investigations into the suspected murder of a soldier whose body was found hanging from a mango tree in a school compound. The deceased, identified as Michael Ojakol, a soldier from the UPDF 150 Artillery Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was on pass leave in his home village of Agoltom in Ngora District at the time of his death.
South Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, Stephen Mukombe, confirmed the arrest and cautioned the public against revenge attacks or interference with ongoing investigations. “We appeal to the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. Police are alert and ready to arrest anyone who attempts to take the law into their own hands,” ASP Mukombe said.
Police say the Territorial Police in Serere District are holding two suspects in connection with the case: Mercy Iyogil, a teacher at Olio Primary School, and businessman Stephen Amukun, a resident of Serere Town Council. According to ASP Mukombe, Amukun was arrested after reporting to Serere Central Police Station, where he had gone to meet Iyogil, who was already in custody. Investigators later determined that he may have had information relevant to the case, leading to his detention.
Preliminary investigations indicate that on June 2, 2026, a disagreement arose between the deceased and Iyogil over mistrust in their relationship. The matter was reportedly taken to the head teacher’s office at Olio Primary School, where it was mediated and resolved. Police further allege that Iyogil gave the soldier UGX 100,000 to facilitate his return to his duty station after the meeting, after which he left the school premises.
However, on June 3, 2026, Ojakol’s body was discovered hanging from a mango tree within the school gardens by a resident identified as Dominique Oba. The incident was immediately reported to Serere Central Police Station, and detectives documented the scene before transferring the body to Serere Hospital for postmortem examination.
Mukombe said preliminary postmortem findings suggest possible foul play, prompting intensified investigations into the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death. Police say inquiries are ongoing and further updates will be provided as investigations progress-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
