24 Huts Torched in Zombo Over Witchcraft Allegations

At least 24 grass-thatched houses were set ablaze on Monday in a retaliatory attack following the death of a 22-year-old man, Musa Juma, from Olyeko Pambo Village in Cana Parish, Paidha Sub County, Zombo District.

The incident reportedly stemmed from Musa’s death on Sunday, December 1, 2024, which sparked accusations of witchcraft related to a land dispute. In addition to the arson, several household items were looted, and livestock was stolen, causing community members to flee in fear of further violence.

The LC III Chairperson of Paidha Sub County, Mr. William Okethi, explained that Musa’s maternal uncles, who raised him after the death of his parents, retaliated upon hearing of his demise. “The deceased, Juma Musa, was a total orphan raised by his maternal uncles from Anyola Village. He had gone to his paternal aunties demanding portions of land left by his father. Unfortunately, the reception wasn’t good. He fell sick three days later,” Okethi said.

Okethi added that Musa’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He was found unconscious in his house after two days of being unresponsive. Although rushed to Otheko Health Center III, he passed away shortly after arriving. Okethi lamented the recurring violence in the area, noting that in the past year, at least four lives have been lost due to similar witchcraft-related disputes, and nearly 100 grass-thatched houses have been destroyed. He called on the community to stop taking the law into their own hands.

Zombo’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Grace Atim, condemned the retaliatory attack and the destruction of property. “The deceased was a total orphan who sought to occupy his father’s land as his rightful inheritance. Unfortunately, his paternal relatives opposed his return. Allegations of witchcraft against his paternal relatives are unfounded and do not justify such actions,” Atim said.

She confirmed that police and other security agencies have been deployed to stabilize the area, but no suspects have been arrested yet. Atim assured the public that further action would be taken once suspects are identified. The LC I Chairperson of Olyeko Pambo Village, Abdallah Luiji, called on the government to establish a police post in Otheko Parish to address the increasing insecurity caused by land disputes and associated violence. 

“People are being killed, and houses are being burnt. We need protection for our lives and property because we are all citizens of this country and deserve security,” Luiji urged. Community member Aldo Ufungi highlighted the lack of immediate police response, attributing it to the absence of a functional police vehicle in the district. 

“We called the police for help, but they couldn’t respond in time because the only vehicle was in Kampala for servicing,” Ufungi said. The situation in Olyeko Pambo Village remains tense as authorities investigate the events and seek to restore order in the community.