Katakwi, Uganda — Police in Katakwi District have arrested five suspects over the gruesome murder of Patrick Elungat, a 27-year-old peasant farmer and popular local DJ whose body was discovered submerged in a water-filled pit on 23rd November 2025. The incident has sent shockwaves through Aleles–Magoro Southern Ward and the wider Katakwi Town Council, where Elungat was widely known for his vibrant presence at community functions and local music events.
According to police reports, the discovery of Elungat’s body at Angopet Cell followed a violent confrontation believed to have occurred on the night of 22nd November 2025. Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased was assaulted during a fight linked to a romantic dispute involving a young woman. The altercation reportedly escalated into a deadly beating, with investigators suggesting that Elungat may have been attacked by a group before his body was dumped in a pit in what appears to have been an attempt to conceal the crime.
Police have since taken the girl at the centre of the dispute into custody to assist with ongoing investigations, though her identity has been withheld to protect the integrity of the case.
Suspects in Custody
The five suspects currently detained at Katakwi Central Police Station include:
- Emmanuel Omongin, commonly known as Vet, a resident of Angopet Cell
- Stephen Obungan, a boda-boda rider from Stage B, resident of Apeleun Cell
- Betty Oboliale
- A Karamojong woman identified only as Kevin
- Ijado Okiror, a conductor operating at Katakwi stage
Police say the group is suspected to have played direct or indirect roles in the events leading to Elungat’s death. Some of the suspects were allegedly present during the altercation, while others may have facilitated the attempted cover-up.
Regional Police Commander (RPC) East Kyoga, Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Saiga, confirmed the arrests and revealed that two additional suspects believed to have been involved in the assault remain on the run.
“We have managed to arrest five individuals who are assisting us with investigations. However, two key suspects are still at large, and efforts to apprehend them are underway,” RPC Saiga said. He added that security teams are conducting intelligence-led operations in Katakwi Town Council and neighboring areas to track down the remaining suspects.
Police have registered the case under Katakwi CRB 633/2025, categorized as murder.
Details of the Investigation
Detectives from Katakwi CPS, working closely with homicide specialists, have continued to reconstruct the events of the fateful night. Early assessments of the body indicated signs of a violent struggle. Investigators believe that the water-filled pit where the body was found was intentionally used to hide evidence by submerging the deceased.
RPC Saiga stated that the police are conducting interviews, gathering forensic evidence, and reviewing witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events and the level of involvement of each suspect.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of involvement of each suspect and to identify any additional accomplices. We shall provide further updates as more information becomes available,” he added.
Community in Shock
The killing has left residents of Katakwi Town Council stunned, with many struggling to comprehend how a dispute over a romantic relationship could escalate into such a brutal act. Community members who knew Elungat described him as a cheerful, hardworking, and peaceful young man who often used his DJ skills to entertain at local gatherings, celebrations, and public functions.
Local leaders have appealed for calm and urged the public not to resort to speculation or mob justice as police continue to unravel the truth.
“This is a very sad and unacceptable loss for our community. We encourage all residents to remain calm and let the authorities complete their investigations,” a local council leader said during a brief community meeting following the news of the arrests.
Security Advisory During Festive Season
Authorities have also seized the moment to remind the public about the importance of vigilance as the festive season approaches. The District Security Committee warned that criminal activity tends to rise during end-of-year celebrations, urging residents to report suspicious behavior, avoid late-night movements where possible, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Police further appealed to community members to cooperate with investigators by sharing information that could lead to the arrest of the two remaining suspects.
A Life Cut Short
For many who attended events where Elungat performed, his death marks the loss of a young man who had a talent for bringing people together through music. Friends say he often volunteered to play at charity events, school functions, and small community celebrations, making him a familiar figure in Katakwi’s social circles.
As investigations continue, residents and family members are calling for justice and hoping that all those responsible for his death will be brought to book.
Police have assured the public that they will pursue every lead to ensure justice is served and the circumstances surrounding Elungat’s tragic death are fully uncovered.
