Priest on the run
Police in Buyende are hunting for Reverend Father Owori Silver Osuna, aged 33, a Catholic priest attached to Wesunire Parish, in connection with the suspected murder of a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly assaulted over a case of theft.
The deceased has been identified as Joseph Kirya, a resident of Wesunire, Makanga Ward in Buyende Town Council.
According to preliminary investigations, Kirya was accused of stealing UGX 5 million from the priest’s room in his absence. Upon discovering the money missing, Rev. Fr. Owori allegedly launched a manhunt for the boy, with the help of a driver identified as Gabula Robert, and another man named Waiswa.
Kirya was reportedly apprehended on Friday, August 1, 2025, around 5:00 PM, and brought to the parish premises. He was allegedly beaten and then locked inside the church store overnight.
Shockingly, the next morning, Saturday, August 2, at around 9:00 AM, Rev. Fr. Owori went to Buyende Police Station to report the theft and requested officers to pick up the suspect. However, upon arrival, the officer was directed to the parish store, only to find Kirya’s lifeless body.
By then, Rev. Fr. Owori had already fled the scene.
Priest on the run
Detectives were immediately dispatched to reinforce the investigation. The crime scene was documented, and the body was examined before being handed over to the family for burial.
Police strongly condemned the acts of illegal detention and mob justice, especially against a juvenile.
In a statement, authorities reminded the public that only law enforcement officers are legally mandated to detain suspects after arrest, warning that any individual taking the law into their own hands will face prosecution.
Investigations are ongoing.
