Katakwi district was thrown into shock on Friday evening after a 40-year-old man went on a violent rampage, killing four members of his family and leaving two others injured in Akore village, Ongongoja sub-county.
The suspect, Emmanuel Oucul, allegedly killed his 80-year-old father, Gerald Okure; his mother, Christine Atim; and two children, Martha Akiteng, 4, and Josephine Agwang, 12. His wife, Agnes Aanyu, and his brother, Michael Ocan, sustained serious injuries during the attack.
Earlier that day, Oucul and his wife had attended a baptism at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Obulengorok, as part of preparations for their upcoming wedding. After the ceremony, witnesses said he appeared unsettled and struggled with prayers, prompting church leaders to advise the couple to seek guidance from a wedded pair.
Family members revealed that later in the evening, Oucul asked his relatives to help him practice prayers, but his wife noticed unusual behavior, saying he seemed to be “losing touch with reality.”
According to his brother, Pampus Oumo, Oucul suddenly removed his shirt, ran into the house, and picked up a mortar pestle. He attacked his wife before allegedly shouting, “This is finished; now it’s time for killing.”
Oumo said he tried to rescue the children but the suspect panicked, thinking his brother was reaching for a weapon. In the chaos, Oucul fled and attacked his mother, killing her on the spot. He then proceeded to another home where he fatally struck his father with an axe, inflicting deep wounds.
Clan leader Simon Peter Ongede confirmed that Oucul had a long history of mental health struggles. “He was usually very calm, but the problem returned after he stopped going for his medication,” Ongede said.
Authorities are investigating the incident as residents struggle to come to terms with the tragedy.
