Kole Defilement Suspect Rescued by Police as Mob Clash Leaves One Dead

A teacher accused of attempting to defile a 14-year-old pupil was rescued by police from an angry mob in Kole District, in a confrontation that left one person dead and three others injured.

The incident occurred at about 10pm on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Lwala Trading Centre in Ayer Sub-county.

The suspect, identified as Okello Otim Samuel, a teacher at Abilonino Demonstration Primary School, was reportedly found in a house with the pupil, identified as Akullu Miriam, 14, a pupil at the same school.

According to North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP PJ Okema, two men went to Abilonino Police Post at about 9pm and reported that the teacher had allegedly been caught attempting to defile the pupil.

Two police officers responded but were reportedly overpowered by the mob and confined in the same house with the suspect.

They later called for reinforcement from Kole Central Police Station. A team led by the officer in charge responded, but the officers were allegedly pelted with stones by the mob upon arrival.

During the confrontation, Cpl Ojota Alfred, 54, attached to Kole Central Police Station, sustained serious injuries.

Police said some bullets were discharged during the confrontation, resulting in the death of Aluri Morris, 28, a resident of Lwala Trading Centre.

Two other people were injured. They were identified as Odongo James, 15, a pupil at Abilonino Primary School, and Obong Daniel, 23.

The injured police officer and the two civilians were taken to different health facilities for treatment.

The teacher was eventually rescued and arrested alongside the alleged victim. Police said he is facing charges of aggravated defilement and aggravated trafficking in children and remains in custody as investigations continue.

Police have also opened cases of unlawful wounding and malicious damage to a police vehicle.

A separate case file, GEF 010/2026, has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

A team comprising general-duty officers, homicide detectives and the District Scene of Crime Officer visited and documented the scene. Statements have also been recorded from relevant witnesses.

The body of the deceased was conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination.

Okema condemned the violence against police officers while responding to incidents and urged residents to hand suspects over to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.

He also warned public officials and other people in positions of responsibility against abusing people under their care.

Police have appealed for calm as investigations into the alleged defilement and the fatal shooting continue.