Our attention has been drawn to a post circulating in the media regarding the death of Otim Leon Joshua, a 16-year-old student and resident of Customs Corner Cell, Bardeg Layibi Division, Gulu City. We wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident as follows:
On 06/12/2025, at around 1700hrs, Otim Leon Joshua left home, informing his mother that he was going to town. The family waited for his return until 2300hrs, but he did not return home.
At around 0500hrs, the mother was approached by two boda boda riders who had brought her son, Otim Leon Joshua, badly beaten and unconscious. It is established that the riders informed her of the persons who allegedly assaulted her son at Lailong.
Otim was accused of stealing a mobile phone around 0400hrs.
We established that the mother rushed him to Lacor Hospital for medical attention, where he was admitted. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, Otim Leon Joshua passed away today, 09/12/2025, at around midday.
A team of police officers responded to the incident and visited Lacor Hospital. Statements were recorded from the deceased’s mother, as well as the two boda boda riders.
We have since established that Otim Leon Joshua was a student at Exel High School in Mukono and had returned home for the holidays to stay with his mother.
Further investigation has confirmed that the deceased was assaulted by four boys who are currently at large. Efforts are underway to apprehend them
It is important to note that claims circulating on social media suggesting that the deceased died due to a scuffle involving security agencies and Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi are false and baseless. The truth is that Otim Leon Joshua succumbed to injuries inflicted by those who suspected him of theft.
We assure the public that investigations are ongoing, and we are doing everything possible to ensure justice for the deceased and his family.
