Alupo Mourns Four Family Members Killed in Psychotic Rage

Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo Epel has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of four family members by a relative in Akore Village, Ongongoja Sub-County, Katakwi District, on the evening of September 5, 2025.

The shocking attack was allegedly carried out by Emmanuel Oucul, a man in his thirties, who is accused of killing his 80-year-old stepfather, Gerald Okure; his biological mother, Christine Atim; four-year-old Martha Akiteng, Okure’s daughter; and 12-year-old Josephine Agwang, Okure’s granddaughter.

Two other family members—Agnes Aanyu (Oucul’s wife) and Michael Ocan (his brother)—survived with injuries and are receiving treatment at Katakwi General Hospital. According to eyewitnesses, Oucul had just returned from a baptism ceremony at St. Stephen Catholic Church with his wife, ahead of their wedding scheduled for September 16. Later that evening, family members, including his uncle Pampus Oumo, gathered to help him learn prayers in preparation for the marriage. 

It is alleged that Oucul suddenly turned violent, attacking his wife with a stick and later using a hoe to kill his mother, stepfather, and two children. His own three children reportedly survived by hiding in a banana plantation for hours. Okure’s wife, Ann Grace Akol, narrowly escaped because she had spent the night elsewhere. When police arrived, Oucul surrendered but had sustained a severe head injury, reportedly inflicted during the chaos. 

He was treated at Katakwi General Hospital. During the burial on September 7 at Okure’s home, Vice President Alupo—who is also the Katakwi District Woman MP—was the chief mourner. She condemned the killings and linked such acts to substance abuse among the youth.

“This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call,” she said. “Let God’s people live, regardless of flaws or disputes. The Bible teaches us not to harm one another, just as God did not permit Abraham to harm his son Isaac.” Alupo expressed shame over the incident, urged calm among the bereaved family, and requested special prayers for the three surviving children. 

She contributed Shs 1 million towards the burial and pledged additional support for the children’s education. Katakwi LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo blamed the killings on marijuana, alcohol abuse, and delayed police response.

Omolo noted that Ongongoja and Magoro sub-counties have the highest rates of drug use in Katakwi. He promised operations to crack down on opium smokers but urged families to address the problem at home. He also revealed that Oucul’s family has offered 15 acres of land as compensation to the victims’ family. 

Bosco Okiror, Teso Parliamentary Group Chairperson and Usuk County MP, also expressed grief, pointing to narcotics as a growing threat in the area. He urged parents not to ignore signs of drug use among the youth.

Clan leader Simon Peter Ongede disclosed that Oucul had previously been treated for mental health problems at Matany Hospital before being referred to Moroto Regional Referral Hospital. However, he allegedly relapsed after stopping his medication. Area councillor Peter Ochode said police found Oucul still standing over the bodies of Okure and the two girls, declaring: “I have finished my mission, whatever happens, let it happen. Let the angels receive me in heaven.

”Katakwi RDC Stephen Ilemukorit Okure cautioned residents against retaliatory divisions within the clan, noting that the violence escalated when locals also used a hoe-like object to assault Oucul, which he then turned against his relatives. 

Doctors at Katakwi General Hospital later referred Aanyu to Mbale for a CT scan due to a head injury, but she was deemed out of danger and returned for ongoing treatment in Katakwi.