A second-year student at Uganda Christian Institute of Nursing and Midwifery (UCI) in Lira District was found brutally murdered outside her rented room. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Magdalene Locoro, was pursuing a certificate course in medical records and was in her final year of studies. The incident has sent shockwaves through the institution and the local community.
The Principal of UCI, Mr. John Bosco Ogwal, received distressing information early in the morning about the stabbing that had taken place. Accompanied by the Lira CPS Division Police Commander and other officers, he rushed to the scene where they discovered Magdalene lying lifeless in a pool of blood in front of her rented house at Corner Boroboro. The authorities wasted no time and immediately transferred her body to the mortuary of Lira Regional Referral Hospital for further examination.
While UCI provides sufficient hostel accommodation for its students, some prefer the privacy of rented rooms outside the institute, as was the case with Magdalene. Mr. Ogwal emphasized that the decision to reside outside the school premises is a personal choice for adult students in tertiary institutions. He stated that the school administration had already notified Magdalene’s family in Napak District and was eagerly awaiting their response during this trying time.
Expressing his condolences, Mr. Bonny Ferdinand Okello Alele, a member of the governing council at UCI, strongly condemned the heinous act and called upon the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation to ensure that the culprits are apprehended and justice is served to Magdalene’s grieving family. The loss of a promising student like Magdalene is not only devastating to her loved ones but also deeply impacts the school and the entire nation, Mr. Alele added.
SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, confirmed that the police received a report of the murder at approximately 3:30 am on Thursday. The report was filed by Pastor Amanya Mugabi Enock, who is the landlord of the deceased. In response, a team of police officers, led by DPC Lira City CPS, Joseph Bakaleke, swiftly arrived at the scene. They meticulously documented the area, collected evidence, and recovered a suspected murder weapon—a knife. Additionally, narcotic substances were discovered at the scene. Statements were recorded from witnesses, including tenants and friends of the victim. Isaac Ayela, who is believed to be Magdalene’s boyfriend, has been taken into police custody to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The tragic incident has brought to light the need for enhanced security measures, particularly for non-resident students living outside the campus premises. Mr. Okello Alele stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all students, while acknowledging the challenges in guaranteeing their well-being when they reside among the community members.
As the investigation unfolds, the entire community mourns the loss of Magdalene Locoro, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short. The authorities, alongside the school administration, remain committed to pursuing justice and bringing the perpetrators to account for their heinous crime.
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