Family Seeks Probe into Death of Awach Sub County Chairperson-Elect

A family is demanding a special investigation into the death of Fred Oteka, the Chairperson-elect for Awach Sub County in Gulu district.

Oteka, 41, a former businessman in Awach Trading Centre died a week ago, from Awach Health Centre IV after developing breathing complications. Earlier that day, he had attended a Management Committee  meeting at Awach Primary School and stopped for a meal at a nearby restaurant.

A post-mortem report from the police at Gulu Central Police Station states that the deceased succumbed to respiratory complications due to a blocked lung. But members of the deceased's family are demanding that a fresh investigation be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of the death.

Christine Ajok, the deceased wife told URN during an interview on Sunday that her husband had never presented any illness related to respiratory complications as stated by the police surgeon.  She says that before his death, Oteka received anonymous letters and phone calls threatening his life although he treated it lightly and never reported the matter to the police.

Ajok added that two days before the mysterious death,  their house in Paduny Parish was also broken by unknown persons who stole the deceased's phone and 300,000 Shillings. It's based on this account that Christine Amony, a resident of the area says that the circumstances surrounding Oteka`s death could be linked to the death threats that he had been receiving. 

Richard Watmon, the Paibona Sub County Chairperson and former Speaker for Awach Sub County who also expressed discontent with the postmortem report says police need to probe the matter, leaving no stone unturned, until the real cause of Oteka's death is established. 

During Oteka`s burial on Sunday from Paduny Trading Centre, Christopher Ateker, the Gulu District Chairperson-elect said that samples from Oteka`s body have been taken to Kampala for further analysis.  He, however, asked for calm among members of the public as the relevant offices conduct their investigations.  

Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson said that a case of sudden death is already being investigated at Gulu Central Police Station.  Oteka is survived by five children and a wife.