By Emmanuel Okol
Police in Katakwi District have arrested five suspects in connection with the brutal murder of Patrick Elungat, a 27-year-old peasant and local DJ from Aleles–Magoro Southern Ward, Katakwi Town Council.
Elungat’s body was discovered on 23rd November 2025 submerged in a water-filled pit at Angopet Cell, triggering widespread shock and anger in the community.
The arrest follows the investigations into a violent incident believed to have occurred on the night of 22nd November 2025, during which the deceased was allegedly assaulted after a fight related to a romantic dispute.
According to preliminary police findings, the altercation stemmed from a confrontation involving a girl, who has since been taken into custody to assist with investigations.
Her identity has been withheld to protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiries.
The suspects currently in police custody include: Emmanuel Omongin alias Vet, resident of Angopet Cell, Stephen Obungan, a boda-boda rider from Stage B, resident of Apeleun Cell, Betty Oboliale, A Karamojong woman identified only as Kevin, and Ijado Okiror, a conductor operating at Katakwi stage
Police say the group is believed to have participated directly or indirectly in the events leading to Elungat’s death.
Regional Police Commander East Kyoga, Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Saiga, confirmed the arrests and revealed that two additional suspects are still on the run.
Security teams have been deployed to track them down, with intelligence-led operations ongoing in several parts of Katakwi Town Council and neighboring areas.
“We have managed to arrest five individuals who are assisting us with investigations. However, two key suspects are still at large, and efforts to apprehend them are underway,” RPC Saiga stated.
Police have registered the case under Katakwi CRB 633/2025, treating it as murder.
RPC Saiga explained that detectives from Katakwi Central Police Station, together with homicide experts, continue to piece together what transpired on the fateful night.
The deceased’s body, recovered from the water-filled pit at Angopet Cell, indicated signs of a violent struggle. Officers believe the pit may have been used in an attempt to conceal the crime.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of involvement of each suspect and to identify any additional accomplices. We shall provide further updates as more information becomes available,” Saiga added.
Residents of Katakwi Town Council remain stunned by the revelation that the murder may have resulted from a fight over a girl.
Local leaders have urged the community to remain calm and allow police to complete their work.
The victim, well known within the town for playing music at local events and community gatherings, is being remembered as a peaceful and hardworking young man whose life was tragically cut short.
Authorities have also used the incident to remind the public about the importance of security vigilance, especially during the festive season when criminal activity tends to rise.
The District Security Committee has encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior and avoid taking matters into their own hands.
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