Authorities in Gulu District are investigating the killing of a laboratory technician attached to Gulu University, who was attacked while walking home in the evening hours.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the victim was intercepted along a footpath on the outskirts of Gulu City shortly after leaving work. The attackers reportedly struck suddenly before fleeing the scene, leaving the technician fatally injured.
Police statement
The Aswa West Regional Police spokesperson, ASP Jimmy Patrick Okema, confirmed the incident and said detectives are pursuing all possible leads.
We received a report of a male adult who was found dead along a footpath following a violent attack. A murder investigation has been opened, and we are actively working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident,” ASP Okema said.
He added that forensic teams have already processed the scene.
Evidence has been collected from the scene, and we are currently recording statements from residents and any persons who may have information that can assist in identifying the suspects,” he said.
University response
Management at Gulu University said they were cooperating with police and described the incident as deeply distressing for the institution.
We are saddened by the loss of our staff member in such tragic circumstances. The university is fully cooperating with security agencies as investigations continue,” a university official said.
Rising concern over night attacks
The killing has renewed concerns among residents and university staff over safety along poorly lit pedestrian routes in Gulu’s outskirts, which are commonly used by workers returning from evening shifts.
Local leaders say such incidents have heightened anxiety about opportunistic attacks in expanding urban areas where infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth.
Investigations ongoing
Police say no arrests have been made so far, but intelligence-led operations are ongoing. The body of the deceased has been taken for postmortem examination as investigations continue.
