Ocaya, who spent 13 years studying in the neighboring Karenga district, revealed that he had learned the Akarimojong language during his time there.
A suspect facing manslaughter charges for allegedly killing his wife surprised the court by offering to interpret for four Karimojong cattle rustlers facing murder charges. Simon Ocaya Muding, accused of killing his wife Grace Ayero Auma in Dala village, Orom East Sub-county, intervened during a session at Kitgum Magistrate's Court.
He offered his services as an interpreter for four suspects charged with the 2022 murder of David Odwar in Labongo Otac village, Orom Sub-county. Ocaya, who spent 13 years studying in the neighboring Karenga district, revealed that he had learned the Akarimojong language during his time there. This unexpected skill made him a valuable asset in the courtroom.
The court accepted his offer, and he was sworn in as the official interpreter. Through Ocaya's interpretation, the four suspects denied the murder charge but admitted to cattle rustling. They requested that the charge sheet be amended to reflect cattle theft rather than murder.
"We are not killers; we are cattle thieves," the suspects told the court. "We ask that the charge sheet be corrected to reflect the truth and that we be charged appropriately." The suspects also inquired about the whereabouts of Paul Lupeyok, a fifth suspect who, they claimed, was arrested with them and is allegedly the prime suspect in Odwar’s murder.
Documents obtained from the prison service revealed that Lupeyok was released due to poor health after suffering alleged torture during his arrest. Kitgum Resident State Attorney Yusuf Ssozi presented this information, explaining that Lupeyok was unable to enter the prison due to his condition.
Despite this, Chief Magistrate Robert Ekirita expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation. He ordered the police to produce Lupeyok in court by February 25, 2025, alongside the other four suspects. "Locate Lupeyok and bring him to court on February 25, 2025, with the other suspects,” Magistrate Ekirita ordered.
Ocaya’s case was also adjourned to the same date for a hearing. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of killing his wife, Grace Ayero Auma, late last year.
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Opoka Denis
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