Lovers’ Turned Violent: Ex-Boyfriend Stabs Two in Lira City Attack

LIRA CITY – Police in Lira City West Division are investigating a brutal case of attempted murder following a violent attack on Wednesday evening allegedly carried out by a jilted former lover.

The incident, which occurred at about 7:50 PM on February 4, 2026, in the Akii- Pe Cell of Barapwo Ward, left a 21-year-old female university student and her 19-year-old brother with serious stab wounds. Both victims are currently receiving treatment at Lira University Teaching Hospital.

According to a police statement released by SP PJ Okema, the North Kyoga Police Relations Officer, the attack stemmed from a failed romantic relationship. The suspect, identified as Oceng Daniel, 25, from Dokolo District, allegedly could not accept his separation from the victim, Kia Ritah, a second-year Business Administration student at Lira University.

The police report details that the couple’s relationship, which began in February 2025, ended in November of the same year due to the suspect’s reportedly “violent and cruel behaviour.” After the breakup, Ritah entered a new relationship with another man, Ojimam Samuel Engemu.

Tensions escalated when Daniel repeatedly called Ritah’s phone, only to have the calls answered by her new partner. A final, heated verbal exchange over the phone on the afternoon of the attack is believed to have triggered the suspect’s violent response.

“On 04/02/2026 at about 1600 hours, the suspect again called the victim’s phone and it was answered by Ojimam Samuel Engemu. A verbal exchange allegedly occurred, which further annoyed the suspect,” the police statement reads.

Armed with a knife, Daniel reportedly travelled from Dokolo to Ritah’s residence. He allegedly ambushed her from behind and cut her on the neck. As she fought back, broke free, and raised an alarm, her brother, Odongo Emmanuel, a student at Lango College, rushed to her aid and pursued the attacker.

The suspect then turned on the young man, stabbing him multiple times before neighbours, alerted by the commotion, intervened. The community members successfully apprehended the suspect as he tried to flee the scene.

Police have confirmed that the suspect is now in lawful custody. Investigators have visited and documented the crime scene, recorded initial statements, and issued Police Medical Examination Forms (PF3) to the victims. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on gathering additional witness accounts, obtaining medical reports, and recovering the alleged murder weapon.

In the statement, SP Okema condemned the violence and issued a broader appeal. “We appeal to lovers to accept decisions always made by partners as long as you have wider behaviours that can’t be tolerated,” he stated.

Once the police investigation is complete, the case file will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney (RCSA) for perusal and legal guidance on potential charges.