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The body of Mary Akello, a 42-year-old casual laborer, was found in her residence in Ondungura village, Olio Sub County, Serere district, in what appears to be a suspected case of strangulation. This incident contributes to a disturbing trend of violence against women in the region.

According to Mr Edison Obukulem, the East Kyoga police spokesperson, the murder occurred last night, though the exact time is unknown. The discovery was made when concerned neighbors, who had not seen Akello all day, notified the local LC1 Chairperson. The chairperson found the body after pushing open the door with a stick.

Mr Obukulem stated that the incident was reported to the Serere Central Police Station under case number CRB: 389/2024. "The scene was visited by the homicide team, and several statements were recorded," he said, adding that the body has been taken to Serere Health Center IV for a postmortem examination. No arrests have been made yet, but Mr Obukulem urged community members to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the authorities.

This incident follows the discovery of another woman's body three weeks ago at Serere upper shops, which police also attributed to strangulation.

Ms Deborah Akello, Executive Director of Women and Girls Rights Advocacy Uganda (WAGRAU), expressed deep concern over the rising violence against women in Serere. "The rate at which cases of violence against women are rising is alarming and requires immediate government intervention," she said. Ms. Akello highlighted that from January 21st to May 2024, Serere Health Center IV recorded 77 incidents of sexual assaults and 137 physical assault cases, including defilement. In just one month, from June 23 to July, five women were murdered following relationship breakups.

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