Kitgum, Uganda – Tension gripped residents of Kitgum District on Monday evening after a man was brutally killed by an irate mob over allegations of stealing a solar panel.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially released, was reportedly caught red-handed attempting to remove a solar panel from a home in Pudik Village, Labongo Amida Sub-county. According to eyewitnesses, local residents quickly gathered and confronted the suspected thief before administering mob justice.
Despite pleas from some community members to hand the man over to authorities, the enraged crowd beat him severely, resulting in his death at the scene. His body was later retrieved by police and transported to Kitgum General Hospital mortuary for a postmortem.
Aswa River Region Police spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, confirmed the incident and strongly condemned the act of mob justice, urging the public to allow the law to take its course.
“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. This incident is both tragic and criminal. We are investigating those involved in the mob action,” Mudong said.
The solar panel in question was reportedly recovered near the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the victim may have been part of a group involved in a series of recent solar thefts reported in the area.
Authorities say several suspects connected to the killing are being pursued and could face charges related to murder and unlawful assembly.
The incident has reignited concern over rising cases of mob justice across Uganda, with human rights activists calling for enhanced community policing, quicker response from law enforcement, and increased public education on legal procedures.
Police continue to urge the public to report suspects to the nearest authorities rather than resort to violence.
