Man shot twice over Shs50,000 debt in Nabilatuk

Police in Nabilatuk are hunting for a suspect after a 22-year-old man was shot twice in a late-night ambush over a Shs50,000 debt dispute.

Nabilatuk, Uganda: The Territorial Police in Karamoja region’s Nabilatuk District are hunting for a suspect after a 22-year-old man was shot twice during a late-night ambush sparked by a Shs50,000 debt dispute, authorities have confirmed.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night, January 7, 2026, at about 9:30pm in Lotede ‘B’ Cell, Arengesiep Ward, when the victim, Moru Philip, was allegedly lured to the location following a phone call from Owalanga Mark, also known as Nyanya.

According to preliminary police findings, a heated argument over an unpaid Shs50,000 debt ensued shortly after the meeting, before the suspect reportedly drew a firearm and shot Philip twice.

Emergency Response and Evidence

A joint police–UPDF response team, led by the Nabilatuk District Police Commander, Mugerwa, swiftly arrived at the scene following distress calls from residents.

Police recovered two spent bullet cartridges and a magazine loaded with 23 live rounds at the scene, indicating the use of a high-capacity firearm.

Community leaders have warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to resolve disputes through lawful and traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms.