By Emmanuel Olinga
Police in Katakwi Central Police Station have launched a full-scale investigation into the gruesome murder of a 27-year-old peasant and local DJ whose body was discovered buried in a shallow hole near a sand-mining wetland in Katakwi Town Council’s Southern Ward.
The deceased, identified as Patrick Elungat, a resident of Aleles–Magoro in Southern Ward, Katakwi Town Council, was reportedly found early Sunday morning lying in a pool of blood with severe injuries believed to have been inflicted by sticks and other blunt objects.
His body was first spotted by children who had gone to dispose of a dead dog in the marshlands.
According to police, the body appeared to have been dragged before being partially buried near the wetland.
Shocked by the discovery, the children quickly alerted the Angopet Cell LCI Chairperson, Gabriel Ogele Abuderi, who rushed to the scene to verify the report.
“I confirmed the presence of a lifeless body, albeit it looked like he had resisted. I immediately informed the police,” Ogele told reporters.
Regional Police Commander East Kyoga, Ibrahim Seiga, confirmed the incident and said a murder case has been officially opened under CRB 633/2025.
He noted that homicide officers, led by D/AIP Okello Peter, visited the scene, documented evidence, and later transported the body to Katakwi Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
RPC Seiga condemned the killers’ brutality and reassured the public that investigators are pursuing crucial leads to determine the motive and arrest those responsible.
“This is a murder by assault, and our teams are working tirelessly to piece together what happened. We call on the community to share any information that may assist the investigation,” he said.
The shocking incident has stirred fear and anger among residents, many of whom described the deceased as a humble young man who occasionally played music at community events to earn a living.
The District Security Committee (DSC) has since issued a security alert, urging the public to remain vigilant, especially as the festive season and heightened political activities draw near.
Authorities say criminal elements often take advantage of such periods to perpetrate violence.
Katakwi District Chairperson, Geoffrey Omolo, strongly condemned the killing and appealed to residents to refrain from mob justice or retaliatory violence.
“No one has the right to take another person’s life. We encourage residents to work closely with security agencies. Let us avoid taking the law into our own hands,” Omolo said.
He further urged communities to report suspicious behavior, warning that ignoring early signs of insecurity could lead to more tragedies.
Meanwhile, the postmortem report is expected to shed more light on the exact cause of death, helping detectives narrow down the timeline and nature of the assault.
Authorities have appealed to anyone with information regarding the movements of the deceased or possible suspects to report to Katakwi CPS or the nearest police outpost.
The late Patrick Elungat’s body remains at Katakwi Hospital mortuary as preparations for burial are underway. The family and community continue to demand justice for a life cut short in a brutal and disturbing manner.
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