Teacher Detained Over her Soldier Boyfriend’s Murder

The Police in Serere District have detained Mercy Iyogil, a teacher at Olio Primary School, to assist with investigations into the suspected murder of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier. The soldier’s body was discovered hanging from a mango tree within the school compound.‎‎‎‎

‎According to the South Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, ASP Stephen Mukombe, the deceased has been identified as Michael Ojakol, alias Ojakoro, a UPDF soldier attached to the 150 Artillery Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ‎‎

‎At the time of his death, Ojakoro was on pass leave in his Agoltom village, Serere District.‎ ‎”We received a report of a suspected murder, and the Territorial Police in Serere District have commenced investigations into the death of Ojakol, a UPDF soldier who was on leave in his village,” ASP Mukombe stated.‎‎‎

‎Police reported that the incident occurred on June 3, 2026, at Olio Primary School.‎‎ ‎Preliminary investigations indicate that on the evening of June 2, a disagreement arose between Ojakol and his girlfriend Iyogil. This dispute, reportedly stemming from mistrust in their relationship, was taken before the head teacher’s office for mediation.

During the meeting, the matter was resolved, and Iyogil allegedly gave Ojakol Shs100,000 to facilitate his return to his duty station. ‎After leaving the school premises, Ojakol was believed to have departed for his workplace. However, his body was later discovered hanging from a mango tree in the school gardens by Dominique Oba, an area resident.

‎The incident was reported to Serere Central Police Station. Detectives visited the scene, documented evidence, and transferred the body to Serere Hospital for postmortem. ‎ASP Mukombe revealed that the postmortem findings suggested foul play.‎

‎ “The postmortem report indicates that the deceased was killed before his body was suspended on the tree. The body had also been tied several times,” he said.‎‎

‎Police have since detained Iyogil to aid ongoing investigations as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death. ‎‎ ASP Mukombe appealed to members of the public with any information that could assist the investigation to report to Serere Central Police Station as Investigations are ongoing-URN.

Read Next Article