Police have issued a detailed statement clarifying the events that led to the death of 16-year-old Otim Leon Joshua, a student of Exel High School in Mukono and resident of Customs Corner Cell, Bardege Layibi Division in Gulu City.
According to the report, Otim left home on December 6, 2025, at around 5:00pm, telling his mother he was going to town. When he did not return by 11:00pm, the family became concerned.
The situation took a worrying turn early the next morning.
“At around 5:00am, the mother was approached by two boda boda riders who had brought her son, badly beaten and unconscious,” police said. “The riders informed her of the persons who allegedly assaulted him at Olailong.”
Police state that Otim had been accused of stealing a mobile phone at around 4:00am.
His mother rushed him to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, where he was admitted for treatment. Unfortunately, despite efforts by medical staff, Otim passed away on December 9, 2025, at around midday.
Police officers visited the hospital shortly after the incident.
“Statements were recorded from the deceased’s mother and the two boda boda riders,” the report noted.
Investigators have also confirmed that Otim had returned home to Gulu for the holidays from his school in Mukono.
Police say that four suspects believed to have assaulted Otim are currently on the run, and efforts to arrest them are ongoing.
The statement also pushed back against claims circulating online linking the boy’s death to political violence during the visit of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi.
“It is important to note that claims circulating on social media suggesting that the deceased died due to a scuffle involving security agencies and Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi are false and baseless,” police emphasized. “The truth is that Otim Leon Joshua succumbed to injuries inflicted by those who suspected him of theft.”
Police have assured the public of continued efforts to bring the suspects to justice.
“We assure the public that investigations are ongoing, and we are doing everything possible to ensure justice for the deceased and his family,” the statement concluded.
