Uganda's security agencies have Wednesday dismissed some social media reports that individuals are being beheaded for ritual purposes in connection with Karuma Bridge rehabilitation.
This comes a few days after the news of a six year old boy identified as Emmanuel Olara's body was discovered with a deep cut on the neck in Amuru on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 sparked social media.
While addressing journalists in Gulu City, Brigadier-General Felix Busizoori, the UPDF commander of the 4th Infantry Division, addressed the rumors, reassuring the public that the claims were entirely false.
The rumors suggested that a group called “Otong Tong” was collecting heads for ritual sacrifices to aid in the construction of the Karuma Bridge. Some even claimed that over 400 heads were needed, with allegations that President Yoweri Museveni was involved in the conspiracy.
The commander also addressed the recent tragedy involving the death of Emmanuel Olara stating that the killer has already been identified, noting that the suspect would soon be brought to justice.
“The hooligan who killed the child has already been identified, and we will arrest him soon,” Gen. Busizoori noted.
He added that there has been a lot of social media propaganda circulating, claiming there is a plan to gather over 400 heads of people for the construction of the Karuma Bridge, and that the President is behind it.
This is 100% false. We assure the public that such a thing will never happen.” He urged the public to remain calm and assured them that the authorities would soon track down and take legal action against those responsible for spreading the false rumors.
Regional Police Commander Samuel Asimwe, said this is a falsehood and condemned the rumours.
“This is just a falsehood, and you know the challenge posed by people who have access to smartphones and use them for all sorts of purposes, some bordering on criminality,” Asimwe stated, referring to the role social media plays in the spread of false information.
The rumors about ritual killings have caused widespread fear in Northern Uganda, especially following reports suggesting that the Karuma Bridge construction site was linked to these alleged practices. However, security forces have consistently dismissed these claims as groundless.
The rumors also intensified as construction at Karuma Bridge had been temporarily halted in May due to structural defects. The bridge is expected to be completed by December 18, 2024, and reopened to traffic following extensive repairs.
Karuma bridge which is a major link that connects Kampala and Northern Uganda at large was closed on Monday 23rd September 2024 for its repair and will likely open to the public on 20th December 2024.
