Tragedy Strikes As 15-Year-Old Boy Kills 52-Year-Old Father Over Money Dispute In Apac District

In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through Otucoluk village, Aketo parish, Ibuje sub-county in Apac district, a 15-year-old boy is currently held at Apac Police Station on allegations of murdering his 52-year-old father, Charles Aliro.

The North Kyoga Police spokesperson, Patrick Jimmy Okema, revealed that the juvenile suspect, whose identity is currently withheld, had returned home from Kampala to spend the festive season with his parents. However, what should have been a joyous family reunion took a tragic turn on Wednesday, January 3, around 8:00 pm.

According to Okema, an argument erupted between the young boy and his father while they were seated outside their home. The situation escalated, leading the irate juvenile to pick up a club and strike his father in the chest. The blow proved fatal, causing Aliro to collapse and die on the spot.

Charles Ogwal, the uncle of the accused and an immediate neighbor, discovered the gruesome scene. In a hurried response, Ogwal transported the deceased’s body to Apac Hospital Mortuary and promptly handed the suspect over to Apac Police Station.

A murder case was swiftly registered at Ibuje Police Station, prompting a thorough investigation. The Apac District Police Commander and his team visited the crime scene, reconstructed events, and gathered statements. However, an unexpected twist emerged as Ogwal, who had discovered the crime, was also arrested on suspicion of tampering with the crime scene.

Joan Apio, the Apac Deputy Resident District Commissioner, shed light on the motive behind the heinous act. Allegedly, the boy had asked his father for money, but Aliro, expecting financial support after his son’s stay in Kampala, refused. In a fit of rage, the teenager fatally struck his father.

Apio expressed concerns about the increasing indiscipline among the youth in Lango, attributing it to laziness, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor parenting. She highlighted the prevalence of teen marriages leading to domestic violence and separation, ultimately contributing to a rise in street crime.

Dorcas Otim, the Apac secretary for community-based services, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention. She urged the establishment of a remand home in the region to address the escalating challenges faced by the youth, ranging from substance abuse to fractured family dynamics. The community now grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, prompting a broader conversation about addressing the root causes of youth delinquency in the area.