news 23 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gulu Head Teacher Arrested for Alleged Assault Leading to Death Over Cassava Theft Accusation
A primary school head teacher in Gulu District is in police custody following the death of a 23-year-old man, Denis Onen, who was allegedly beaten after being accused of stealing cassava. The head teacher, Ronnie Paul Lakony, reportedly fled after the incident but was later apprehended. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/gulu-head-teacher-held-over-death-of-man-accused-of-stealing-cassava-5607098
Ronnie Paul Lakony, the head teacher of Pagik Primary School in Omel Sub-county, Gulu District, has been arrested in connection with the death of Denis Onen, a 23-year-old man. Onen reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained from an alleged assault by Lakony.
The incident occurred when Lakony accused Onen of stealing cassava from his garden. According to local authorities, Lakony found a sack of cassava abandoned in his plantation and subsequently confronted Onen at a nearby trading centre.
Eyewitness accounts suggest Lakony threatened to take Onen to his village to account for the alleged theft. Following a severe beating, Onen became weak and was rushed to Awach Health Centre IV, where he passed away later that evening.
Following the death, Lakony is reported to have fled to Koch Goma in Nwoya District, where he was apprehended by the police. The deceased, Onen, was later buried in his ancestral home in Payuta Village.
Local leaders have condemned the act, urging residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead report suspected criminal activity to the police. Gulu Deputy Resident District Commissioner James Cosmas Okidi emphasized that mob justice has no place in society and expressed hope that the suspect will face legal consequences.
The Aswa West Regional Police Commander confirmed the arrest and stated that investigations are underway. The suspect will face charges in court once the inquiries are concluded. This incident highlights concerns about assault-related homicides in the Acholi sub-region, which recorded a significant number of such deaths according to the 2025 Police Annual Crime Report.