By Our Reporter 

Soroti District - Two suspected thieves from Soroti district narrowly escaped death at the hands of an angry mob in Kamuda sub-county after allegedly stealing goats from a local resident.

The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Ecuru and Anthony Omaje, reportedly stole two goats belonging to Immaculate Ajibo, a resident of Ongunai village. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, sparked outrage among villagers, who have long suffered from repeated livestock thefts.

According to eyewitness accounts, Ecuru was apprehended by residents following a swift alarm raised by Ajibo. His accomplice, Omaje, managed to flee the scene, leaving behind their motorcycle, which the mob later set ablaze in a show of fury.

Joseph Ebanu, the LC3 Chairperson of Kamuda sub-county, confirmed the arrest of Emmanuel Ecuru and said efforts are underway to track down the second suspect. “The actions of the mob reflect the community’s growing frustration over persistent theft cases,” Ebanu noted. “But I urge all residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.”

The situation was defused by Samuel Ewila, the LC1 Chairperson of Ongunai village, who courageously intervened to rescue Ecuru from being lynched. Ewila refused to surrender the suspect to the mob and instead handed him over to LC3 leadership, who called in the police for formal arrest.

Immaculate Ajibo, the owner of the stolen goats, expressed deep frustration over the incident, claiming that both Ecuru and Omaje have been linked to previous thefts of goats, cattle, sheep, and chickens in the community.

"This is not the first time these individuals have stolen from us. We are tired, and people are losing patience," Ajibo lamented.

Community members have since called on law enforcement agencies to strengthen patrols and ensure justice is served, warning that future incidents may spiral out of control if authorities remain passive.

As investigations continue, local leaders are reminding the public to shun mob justice and trust the judicial system to handle cases of theft and criminality.