Kitgum pastor found dead, police probe suspected suicide amid domestic woes

Kitgum District authorities are currently investigating the untimely death of Pastor Fred Lukulala of Calvary Church, a prominent religious figure in the area.

Pastor Lukulala was discovered deceased on Sunday morning, found hanging from a mango tree on his farm in Lobiri village, Orom East sub-county. The grim discovery was made by David Lokwang, a farm laborer who alerted authorities.

Aswa East regional police spokesperson, Joe Oloya, confirmed that a specialized team of detectives and scene-of-crime experts were dispatched to the location. The body has since been transported to Kitgum General Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Local leaders and sources suggest the pastor had been experiencing significant stress from both financial difficulties and marital discord. He had reportedly arrived in Kitgum about ten years ago to manage a mission farm and school established by American benefactors. However, the Destiny Nursery and Primary School later collapsed due to insufficient community support and an inability to pay staff.

Driven by a desire to keep the mission alive, Pastor Lukulala reportedly invested his own resources into relocating the school and establishing a commercial farm to cover operational costs. However, this financial strain, coupled with intense domestic disputes, is believed to have contributed to his despair.

According to Gabriel Otukutipu, the security coordinator for Kitgum and Lamwo districts, the pastor’s marriage had been particularly strained over the past two years. These disputes reportedly involved disagreements over conjugal rights and the management of farm income.

Sources indicate that the pastor’s wife, a Kenyan national, had left their home following a significant argument and had been monitoring his interactions with other women. A confrontation reportedly occurred on Friday night, the eve of his death, which visibly distressed the pastor.

In what appears to be his final communications, Pastor Lukulala reportedly instructed a junior pastor to lead the Sunday service, citing illness. He also asked neighbors to assist with farm work the next day. Before his death, he is said to have inscribed the words “It is time up” on a wall with charcoal.

The police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pastor Lukulala’s death is ongoing.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)