By Our Reporter 

Lamwo, Uganda – Authorities in Lamwo District are investigating the mysterious deaths of five individuals following a ritual conducted by a witch doctor. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through Ogili Central Village, occurred between the evening of February 12 and the morning of February 13, 2025.  

According to an official police report registered under Lamwo DEF 02/2025, the first victim reportedly ran mad and collapsed at the store of one Mwa Anthony before dying instantly. By the following morning, four more individuals had succumbed under similar circumstances, while eight others remained unconscious at the same location.  

The tragic events are linked to an unresolved theft that took place on December 5, 2024, at Ogili Trading Center. Unidentified individuals had broken into Mwa Anthony’s store, making away with 19 bags of sim sim and a motorcycle. Despite the involvement of police officers, crime scene specialists, and canine units, no suspects were identified or arrested.  

Frustrated by the lack of progress, Mwa Anthony took matters into his own hands. On February 11, he informed the village chairperson, Luto Kenneth, that he would be bringing a witch doctor from Gulu to identify the culprits. He also urged residents to be present as witnesses.  

On the morning of February 12, the witch doctor arrived and began performing his rituals at the store. Hours later, at approximately 5:00 p.m, the first victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly lost control of his senses, ran towards Mwa’s store, and died on the spot. The situation escalated the following morning when four more individuals died in a similar manner, while eight others were left in an unconscious state.  

Upon receiving the report at around 9:40 a.m. on February 13, authorities from ASWA East Police Territorial Command swiftly moved to the scene.

The District Criminal Investigations Department, led by D/SP Kwebiiha Sarapio, confirmed that a case had been officially registered at Ogili Police Post. The police have since taken Mwa Anthony into custody as part of their investigations into the deaths and the role of the witch doctor in the incident.  

Law enforcement officers have launched a full-scale inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with forensic specialists expected to examine the deceased and unconscious victims. Meanwhile, authorities have called for calm as they work to establish whether the deaths were a result of supernatural forces, poisoning, or other external factors.  

Residents of Ogili Central Village remain in shock, with many expressing fear over the nature of the tragedy. While some believe the ritual may have worked in exposing suspects, others are calling for a scientific explanation of the deaths.