Police in Kaabong District are pursuing suspected armed warriors who shot dead a teacher at Kotome Community Primary School. The tragic incident occurred on the night of October 31, 2025, at around 9:45 p.m., when unidentified gunmen attacked the school staff quarters while teachers were discussing preparations for the upcoming Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
The deceased, Grace Lakica Okello, was shot in the stomach and succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Her colleagues — Joseph Richard Okore, Joseph Aburu, and Godfrey Loina — narrowly escaped death by hiding in their rooms. A joint team of police and Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) officers, led by the Kaabong District Police Commander, responded swiftly to the scene.
Mike Longole, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident, noting that a canine unit was deployed to track the attackers, leading investigators to the home of Ngoya Meri. Longole said police arrested two women — Maria Ngoya and Lemu Loyeera — found at the residence. He noted that the duo would assist in providing leads for the ongoing investigation.
According to Longole, the motive behind the attack is yet to be established, though it is suspected to be linked to the isolated insecurity incidents in Kaabong District. He added that the perpetrators are still at large and security agencies are actively hunting them down. Longole urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security forces to help bring the attackers to justice.
Learners and teachers in the Karamoja sub-region continue to face numerous challenges caused by insecurity, which has severely affected access to education services. Several community schools, especially in Moroto, Kotido, and Kaabong districts, have previously been used by armed Karamojong warriors and security forces as battlegrounds.
School compounds have also served as crossing points for cattle rustlers during raid missions. In June 2024, education authorities in Moroto District were forced to suspend operations at three community schools due to escalating security threats posed by armed rustlers to both learners and teachers.
***URN***