Father asks Kitgum court to jail son over abuse of mother

What the report says

A court case in Kitgum Municipality has drawn attention after a father asked magistrate’s court to impose a custodial sentence on his 28-year-old son, saying imprisonment would give the family’s elderly mother relief from repeated abuse. The hearing involved Kenneth Oyoo, a married mason from Gangdyang Cell in Pandwong Division, and his mother, Santa Angom, who says he insulted and threatened her after she refused to give him tea.

According to the account presented in court and reported by The Observer, Angom told the magistrate that she was preparing tea for four grandchildren in her care when Oyoo demanded to be served first. She alleged that he responded with abusive language, ordered her to leave the family home and, on several occasions, told her to return to her parents’ home. She also said he had made similar threats repeatedly and often came home drunk late at night while demanding food.

Oyoo denied the allegations and asked his mother to settle the matter within the family, saying he was her “last born and blood.” The father, Michael Acaye, then addressed the court and urged punishment, saying his son’s conduct had made life difficult for his mother. He also told the court that attempts by relatives to counsel Oyoo had not worked and referred to earlier concerns about alcohol use and past conflict with the law.

Chief Magistrate Robert Ekirita said Acaye would be called as a witness and adjourned the case to September 1, 2026, for further hearing. The matter is significant because it highlights reported domestic abuse allegations and the strain such disputes can place on elderly caregivers and extended families.