Two Females Killed in Soroti, Serere Districts

The police in Serere and Soroti districts are investigating the murders of two females, allegedly killed by their estranged lovers. The victims have been identified as Hildah Ariago, 45, a resident of Onyakai cell, Soroti City West Division, and Joyce Mary Iwuno, 16, a pupil of Idupa Primary School in Serere District.

Joyce Mary Iwuno was reportedly strangled by her 17-year-old boyfriend, who is now in police custody. The incident occurred on July 12, 2024, between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM at Idupa Village, Olio Sub County, Serere District, while family members were outside picking white ants, according to Edison Obukulem, the East Kyoga Regional Police Spokesman.

Jessica Ilaku, a family member, reported hearing a door open and saw a man running out of the room where the deceased was sleeping with four other siblings. Upon checking inside, the juvenile was found lifeless.

This is the second murder by a suspected lover in Serere district in less than a month. On June 14, Scovia Apio, a student at Homeland Secondary School, was strangled by her boyfriend, Phillip Ajotu, who is now in custody.

Meanwhile, Hildah Ariago was allegedly killed by her husband, Francis Ejogu, on Thursday after a domestic brawl. The couple had gone to Arapai market for leisure, but upon returning home, a scuffle ensued when the suspect demanded money for more alcohol and the deceased refused. This led to her death.

"We caution the members of the public to desist from all forms of violence and encourage them to always report any grievances to the nearest police stations or posts," Obukulem said in a statement.