By Alex Pithua & Godfrey Anywar

Security officials in Northern Uganda have refuted claims of ritual murders linked to the Karuma Bridge reconstruction project and provided updates on the murder of a six-year-old boy in Amuru District.

At a press briefing held at the Fourth Division Headquarters, Senior Superintendent of Police Asiimwe Samuel, the Aswa West Regional Police Commander, identified the juvenile as Olara Emmanuel, son of Ojara Patrick, a teacher at Otici Primary School.

Child Murder in Amuru

The tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Amuru District, where the boy was attacked and killed by an unidentified assailant while playing with two other children.

“This is an ordinary criminal case and has no connection to the false claims of ritual killings demanding 400 human heads for Karuma Bridge reconstruction,” Asiimwe stated.

The police revealed that the suspect had been seen in the area, and his clothing and description have been provided to authorities.

“This is a closely knit village where everyone knows each other. We are confident the suspect will be apprehended soon,” said Brigadier General Burizoori Felix, the Fourth Division Brigade Commander.

Disinformation on Ritual Murders

Security officials dismissed rumours of ritual killings allegedly linked to the Karuma Bridge rehabilitation project, calling the claims baseless and harmful.

Brigadier General Burizoori emphasised, “The falsehood that 400 human heads are needed for Karuma Bridge has spread like wildfire. We are actively identifying those spreading this dangerous propaganda, including images traced to Boko Haram websites.”

Major Peter Mugisa, the Fourth Division Public Information Officer, urged media outlets to help counter these claims.

“There is no truth in the assertion that modern construction requires human sacrifices. These rumours are damaging and baseless,” Mugisa said.

Security and Environmental Updates

In related updates, Brigadier Burizoori highlighted the enforcement of presidential orders to combat illegal charcoal trade in the region.

“The implementation of Executive Order No. 3 to halt illegal charcoal trade is at 80%. Zoka Forest is now showing signs of rejuvenation after we sealed off routes used to evade checkpoints,” he noted.

The reconstruction of Karuma Bridge, which began on September 23, is scheduled for completion by December 23, according to UNRA.

Security officials reassured the public of their commitment to maintaining order, apprehending the suspect involved in the child’s murder, and addressing the spread of false information to prevent unnecessary panic.