Police authorities in Gulu City have confirmed the deaths of two suspects who had been arrested following recent violent attacks that targeted shops along the busy Cemetery Road business area.
According to law enforcement officials, the deceased were identified as Okello Denish and Ojok Ojara Ben. The pair had been taken into custody during a security crackdown launched after unrest in the area escalated into deliberate destruction and looting of commercial premises.
Authorities revealed that a postmortem examination conducted on the bodies indicated that the deaths were associated with blood clot complications. Investigators believe the condition developed from injuries described as self-inflicted while the suspects were being held in detention.
The Aswa West regional police spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, confirmed that the two suspects died on Friday while being detained at Gulu Central Police Station. He noted that the individuals were part of a group arrested during an operation aimed at restoring order after violence broke out along Cemetery Road.
Police reports indicate that the incident began as a confrontation that quickly escalated into coordinated attacks on business establishments. Several shops were reportedly broken into, with goods stolen and property damaged, causing panic among traders and disrupting commercial activities in the area.
Mudong stated that security personnel intervened promptly after receiving reports of the disturbances. He explained that multiple suspects were apprehended as part of efforts to prevent further destruction and to identify those responsible for organizing the attacks.
He added that authorities are continuing with investigations to establish the full sequence of events surrounding both the violence targeting businesses and the circumstances that led to the deaths of the two detainees. Police officials emphasized that standard procedures are being followed, including documentation of medical findings and internal reviews of detention conditions.
The incident has sparked concern among residents and business owners in Gulu, particularly those operating along Cemetery Road, which serves as a key commercial hub in the city. Several traders expressed worry about security in the area, noting that the attacks caused financial losses and heightened fear within the business community.
Local leaders have called for calm as investigations continue, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement by sharing any information that may assist in identifying other individuals involved in the violence. They also encouraged authorities to strengthen security measures in major trading zones to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety while ensuring that all suspects are handled in accordance with legal and human rights standards. Officials stressed that efforts to combat crime in the region will continue, particularly in areas considered economic lifelines for local communities.
Meanwhile, authorities are compiling a detailed report that will include medical examination findings, operational records from the arrests, and witness statements. The report is expected to guide further actions, including possible legal proceedings related to the attacks on businesses.
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