An unidentified man suspected of involvement in motorcycle theft was beaten to death by an angry mob in Angir Cell, Abindu Division, Nebbi Municipality on Tuesday evening.
According to local leaders, the suspect was intercepted in Parombo Town Council, about 40 kilometres from Nebbi Town, while in possession of a motorcycle whose ownership he allegedly failed to prove.
Mr Stephen Ongeyowun, chairperson of Palm Tree Boda Boda Stage on Kei Road in Nebbi Municipality, said the suspect was escorted to Nebbi by boda boda riders after promising to provide ownership documents.
“He failed to produce a logbook or any sales agreement when questioned by boda boda operators after he was intercepted. He promised that he would provide the documents once he reached Nebbi, but when he failed to do so, the crowd turned against him,” Mr Ongeyowun said.
He said efforts to protect the suspect were unsuccessful after the crowd overpowered those attempting to restrain it.
Mr Ongeyowun attributed growing frustration among riders to increasing cases of motorcycle theft and attacks on boda boda operators, particularly at night.
“In many cases, when motorcycles are stolen or riders are killed, the cases are not taken seriously. That is why riders become angry. However, mob justice is not the solution, and people should always seek justice through the law,” he said.
Residents described the deceased as a person who had previously been linked to theft allegations in the area.
Ms Joyce Alidong, a resident of Angir Cell, claimed that residents had frequently complained about theft incidents allegedly associated with the deceased.
By press time, police had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Mob action remains a recurring challenge in several parts of Uganda despite repeated warnings from security agencies that suspects should be handed over to police for investigation and prosecution through the courts.
Police have previously cautioned that taking the law into one’s own hands is a criminal offence and undermines the justice system.