Police have issued a detailed clarification following viral online reports linking the death of 16-year-old student Otim Leon Joshua to a scuffle at Bobi Wine’s political rally in Gulu.
According to police, Otim a resident of Customs Corner Cell in Bardege Layibi Division left home on December 6th, 2025, at around 5pm after informing his mother that he was heading to town. He never returned home that night.
At around 5am, two boda boda riders showed up at the mother’s home carrying Otim in critical condition. They informed her that the teenager had been beaten by a group of boys in Lailong, accusing him of stealing a mobile phone at around 4am.
Otim was immediately rushed to Lacor Hospital, where he was admitted. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries on December 9th, 2025, around midday.
Police officers visited the hospital and recorded statements from the mother and the boda boda riders. Investigations confirm that Otim was a student at Excel High School in Mukono, home for the holidays.
Authorities say four suspects believed to have assaulted Otim are on the run, and a manhunt is underway.
Police strongly dismissed claims making rounds on social media alleging that Otim died after a confrontation involving security forces and presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi a.k.a Bobi Wine during his rally in Gulu.
“These allegations are false and baseless. The deceased succumbed to injuries inflicted by individuals who suspected him of theft,” police said.
Investigations into the tragic incident continue as the hunt for the suspects intensifies.
Stay tuned here for more updates.