Four held in Oyam as police probe alleged arson

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Police in Oyam District have arrested four people to aid investigations into the torching of four grass thatch houses at the home of the LC1 chairperson.

The incident which left the family members of Edward Odoch, 64 year-old, a resident of Ader Village in Ader Parish, Otwal Sub-county homeless happened on July 24, 2026 at around 12:34 am when they were in the middle of their sleep.

According to a police report, Odoch had previously been involved in the arrest of Peter Okaka who was accused of cattle theft and he has since been receiving threat from his close friends.

Odoch said that the fire didnt hurt any of his family members but all the household items including food stuffs were burnt to ashes.

“I have lost the beddings, food item, clothings and all the important items that were in the house. I am thankful to God that all my family members survived un hurt,” he said.

The suspect in police custody at Oyam Police Station include Peter Okaka, Ambrose Ojok, Denis Obura and Bonny Aremo all residents of the same area.

North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed that police have already commenced investigations into the matter.

“The scene was examined by the District Police Commander (DPC), SP Ayikoyo Sydney, together with the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), detectives, and uniformed officers. During the scene examination, exhibits including a matchbox and a pair of sandals believed to be connected to one of the suspects were recovered for forensic examination,” he said in a press statement released on Friday afternoon.