Serere mob lynches suspect tied to women murders

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Security authorities in Serere district have confirmed that a suspected criminal was lynched by a mob in Kyere town council on Sunday, March 30.

According to resident district commissioner Robert Adyama, the deceased, identified as Emmanuel Angesu, was a resident of Obur village in Kyere parish, Kyere sub-county.

Angesu had been on the security watchlist for allegedly participating in the rape and murder of women in Serere district. Police have recorded over ten cases of women murdered in the area over the past eight months.

Adyama explained that suspicious members of the public confronted Angesu, who was dressed in a UPDF uniform. As tensions escalated, the crowd attacked him.

During the mob action, residents recovered eleven AK-47 bullets, a homemade firearm resembling a pistol, and police handcuffs from Angesu. The police at Kyere Police Post later confirmed that the handcuffs had been stolen during a break-in by criminals on the night of March 29, 2025.

Adyama further revealed that Angesu had previously been imprisoned for illegal possession of a firearm.

Local sources said Angesu had managed to evade several arrest attempts by hiding in the rocky caves of Kyere sub-county.

“He was spotted by locals hiding near Obar rock, close to Kyere town council. When people started chasing him, he fired two bullets to scare them away, but they remained undeterred. They pursued him, caught him, and lynched him,” said Kyere town council LC3 chairperson James Robert Egonyu.

Egonyu confirmed that Angesu had a long criminal history, having been imprisoned five years ago for killing his uncle and wife.

“When he was released from prison, he was later arrested again for threatening to kill a nurse. He escaped custody and had been living in the wild ever since,” Egonyu added.

The recent rise in murders targeting women in Serere district has caused widespread concern. During last week’s belated Women’s Day celebrations in the district, the issue was a major point of discussion.

Catherin Adongo, the chairperson Women Council speaking during the belated Women's Day celebration. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

Catherine Adongo, chairperson of the women’s council, acknowledged the strides made in women’s empowerment but expressed alarm over their safety.

“Rampant killings of women in Serere district are a serious challenge that must be addressed,” Adongo said.

The celebrations, which brought together district leaders, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen security measures and protect residents from criminals.

“There is a pressing need to raise awareness about women’s safety, given the alarming murders in the district. This should be a priority,” Adongo stressed.