The Acting District Health Officer (DHO) for Arua District, Dr. Drileba Paul Bishop, was tragically killed by an irate mob over a land dispute on Saturday, November 23, The incident occurred in Oyeku Village, Ombokoro Parish, Ajia Sub-County, Arua District.
The West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson and Community Liaison Officer, SP Collins Asea, confirmed the incident, revealing that Dr. Drileba, aged 55, was attacked around 2:30 PM while demarcating land boundaries. He was accompanied by his lawyer, surveyors, and workers at the time. The land in question had been purchased in September 2024.
“During the exercise, a local resident challenged their activities, leading to a violent confrontation involving over 50 armed individuals wielding machetes, axes, bows, and arrows. Dr. Drileba and a surveyor sustained fatal injuries, while others managed to escape. Unfortunately, the DHO succumbed to his injuries before law enforcement arrived,” SP Asea narrated.
Land Dispute Under Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest that the land was contested by members of the Oyeku clan, who claimed historical ownership. The police believe the attackers were solely motivated by grievances over the land, as personal belongings, including UGX 1,767,000 found on Dr. Drileba, were left untouched.
The Uganda Police Force has launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved. “We are committed to ensuring justice for the deceased. Once investigations are complete, the suspects will face the law,” SP Asea stated.
He also extended condolences to the family, colleagues, and community of Dr. Drileba, urging the public to resolve disputes lawfully and remain calm as investigations proceed.
Reactions to the Tragic Incident
The murder has cast a somber mood across the West Nile Sub-Region. Former Ayivu Member of Parliament and current Arua District Land Board Chairman, Hon. Bernard Atiku, expressed deep regret. “When a majority of the population lives in poverty, illiteracy, and youth unemployment, such tragedies become inevitable. We must address the high dropout rates in schools to avoid such mob actions in the future,” he said.
Brenda Aziku, a nurse in Arua District, described the late DHO as a father figure to health workers. “Dr. Drileba was not just a leader but a mentor. He gave me the job I have today. It’s hard to believe he’s gone in such a manner,” she lamented.
Caesar Trinity Draecabo, Chairman of the Arua City Development Forum, called for greater community education on land matters. “This incident underscores the urgent need for public awareness on the productive use and protection of land,” he remarked.
Ambassador Harold E. Acema, a former Ugandan envoy to Brussels, expressed concern over the state of lawlessness in Uganda. “This tragic event reflects economic hardships and societal decline. Uganda must rise above this lawlessness and protect the sanctity of life. May God bless and save Uganda,” he commented in a WhatsApp discussion.
Next Steps
The deceased’s body has been transported to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem. Police continue to investigate the incident, urging the public to exercise patience as justice takes its course.
The brutal killing of Dr. Drileba has reignited calls for addressing land conflicts and improving socioeconomic conditions in rural Uganda.
