Two suspected motorcycle thieves lynched by mob in Zombo

Zombo, Uganda: Two unidentified teenage boys suspected of attempting to steal a motorcycle have been lynched and burnt to death by an angry mob in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District.

The gruesome incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Jupanyondu West Cell, near Dubai City Stage.

According to eyewitnesses, the two teenagers were attacked after being allegedly caught attempting to steal a motorcycle.

Residents reported hearing commotion at around 4:00am before the mob descended on the suspects.

The LC I Chairperson of Jupanyondu West Cell, David Wanican, said he was alerted at about 5:00am and rushed to the scene, where he found the victims already dead. “They were burnt with petrol, and one of them had his eyes plucked out,” Wanican said.

He added that he immediately informed police.

The LC III Chairperson of Paidha Town Council, Innocent Godfred Onega, confirmed the incident, describing it as a case of mob justice.

“It is true that two unidentified men were killed by a mob along Jupanyodo Road. Their identities are unknown, and their bodies were taken to Paidha Health Centre III,” Onega said.

He urged authorities to transfer the bodies to Nebbi General Hospital, which has better mortuary facilities, and called on residents to carry identification documents to ease identification in such cases.

Boda boda theft link under verification

The Chairperson of the Zombo District Boda Boda Association, Fred Onenarach, said they were still verifying claims that the suspects had been caught stealing a motorcycle. “We are hearing they were attempting to steal a boda boda rider’s motorcycle, which we are yet to confirm,” he said.

The association noted a surge in motorcycle thefts in the district, with at least 25 cases recorded between December 2025 and February 2026.

By press time, officers from Paidha Central Police Station had visited the scene, documented evidence, and launched investigations into the incident.

Local leaders have condemned the act and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands. “Residents should always hand over suspects to police instead of engaging in mob justice,” Onega urged.

The incident adds to growing concern over mob violence in Uganda.

According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024, at least 1,016 cases of murder by mob action were recorded, highlighting the persistence of vigilante justice despite ongoing public awareness campaigns.