Damali Nachuha, the East Kyoga Regional Police Commander confirmed that investigations are underway but refrained from divulging specifics. Nachuha stated that both the police and other security agencies have taken keen interest in the matter and will update the public on progress.
The police in Serere have initiated a general inquiry into the
death of the Acting District Planner, Francis Otwal. Otwal passed away at
Kiruddu Hospital in Kampala earlier this month after a brief illness marked by
persistent diarrhea and vomiting that lasted for approximately two weeks.
According to medical reports, his demise was a result of herbal poisoning that
severely affected his kidneys and liver.
The circumstances surrounding Otwal's death have raised mixed
reactions within the Serere district community. Noteworthy is the family's
rejection of a special district council sitting to bid farewell to the
deceased, suspecting foul play due to the alleged strained working relationship
between Otwal and his colleagues. The family named some individuals as suspects and prohibited
their attendance at Otwal's burial in Amuria district. In the wake of this
incident, services at the Serere district headquarters have ground to a halt,
with reports of some implicated officers fleeing the district.
The flight
follows an incident in which angry residents attacked the Chief Finance Officer
(CFO), Andrew Mayende, on the day of Otwal's burial. Mayende was rescued by the
police and subsequently relocated out of the district. Residents have remained vigilant hoping to identify the officers
allegedly involved in Otwal's poisoning. Last week, an accountant in the health
department narrowly escaped a physical assault by residents who stormed her
office upon discovering her presence.
Swift police intervention prevented further harm. The accountant
is one of the five district officials accused of poisoning Otwal. Damali
Nachuha, the East Kyoga Regional Police Commander confirmed that investigations
are underway but refrained from divulging specifics. Nachuha stated that both
the police and other security agencies have taken keen interest in the matter
and will update the public on progress.
//Cue in: “There was an…
Cue out…from the community.”//
State Minister for Fisheries, Hellen Adoa Abeku, informed journalists
on Thursday that the alleged poisoning has become a security concern for
relevant ministries and government agencies, who have closely monitored the
situation. She mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding the security of
the suspected officials, and a decision will soon be announced.
//Cue in: “We have consulted…
Cue out…to be demoralized.”//
Sources within Serere district have revealed that the finance and human resource departments have been most affected, given that key officials within these departments were named by the late Otwal's family as potential suspects in his poisoning.
