Katakwi man kills four family members in brutal mental breakdown

A 40-year-old man in Katakwi district has killed four people and left two others injured in a shocking attack on Friday evening in Akore village, Ongongoja sub-county.

The suspect, Emmanuel Oucul, allegedly killed his 80-year-old father, Gerald Okure; his mother, Christine Atim; and two children, Martha Akiteng, 4 and Josephine Agwang, 12. Those injured include his wife, Agnes Aanyu, and his brother, Michael Ocan.

According to relatives, earlier that day, Oucul and his wife had attended a baptism at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Obulengorok, in preparation for their upcoming wedding.

After being baptized by Fr. Edmond Angitu, Oucul reportedly struggled with the prayer, prompting catechist John Robert Oleemo to suggest that the couple seek guidance from a wedded pair.

Later that evening, Oucul returned home and asked his family to help him practice prayers. His wife, however, observed troubling signs, saying he appeared to be “losing touch with reality,” a condition he had intermittently experienced in the past.

His brother, Pampus Oumo, recounted that Oucul suddenly removed his shirt, dashed into the house, and picked up a mortar pestle. He soon turned violent, first assaulting his wife before allegedly declaring, “This is finished; now it’s time for killing.”

When Oumo attempted to save his children, Oucul allegedly panicked, believing his brother was reaching for a weapon. He fled but, in the process, encountered his mother and fatally attacked her.

He then proceeded to another home, where he killed his father, Mzee Okure, inflicting deep axe wounds. Witnesses say the injuries on Mzee Okure were particularly severe compared to the other victims.

Clan leader Simon Peter Ongede confirmed that Oucul had a history of mental health struggles, which often triggered violent episodes. “He was usually very calm, but the problem returned after he stopped going for his medication,” Ongede explained.