Police in East Kyoga Region have today, 24/04/2026 at around 0500hrs, arrested two additional female suspects in connection with the aggravated robbery and murder by shooting of Kokunda Patricia, which occurred on 03/04/2026 in Soroti City. The arrests mark a major development in a case that has already drawn wide public attention due to its violent nature and the number of people allegedly involved.
The suspects have been identified as Apolot Agnes, aged 41, a resident of Akaikai Ogobai Village, Arabaka Parish, Arapai Subcounty in Soroti District, and Akello Salume, who is the mother-in-law to Apolot Agnes. Akello is also the mother of the prime suspect, Emenyu David alias Olipong, who is believed to be a key figure in the crime.
According to Police reports, following the earlier arrest of Emenyu David alias Olipong, the two women allegedly retrieved the firearm used in the murder from their house and buried it in a nearby garden. This was reportedly done in an attempt to hide or destroy key evidence in the ongoing investigation. After this act, they fled their home, but were later tracked down and arrested by Police.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly cooperated with investigators and led officers to additional evidence. Police recovered 18 rounds of ammunition that had been hidden inside an empty engine oil container placed in a grass-thatched kitchen structure. Authorities say this discovery has strengthened the case and provided further leads in the investigation.
The suspects also admitted to having received and jointly kept custody of the firearm, which they say was handed to them by the prime suspect. Investigators believe this indicates a coordinated effort within the family network to conceal evidence connected to the crime.
Preliminary findings have further revealed what Police describe as a troubling criminal background within the same family. It has been noted that the father of the prime suspect, Opolon Vicent, together with his sons Opali Justine and Opolon Isaac, are currently on remand at Kitalya Government Prison over separate charges of aggravated robbery. This has raised concerns about repeated criminal involvement within the family.
Police have confirmed that the firearm used in the murder had already been recovered earlier in the investigation. The newly arrested suspects are now being held at CPS Soroti as inquiries continue. Authorities say more arrests and charges may follow as they work to fully uncover the circumstances surrounding the murder and robbery.
