news 14 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Man's Death After Herbal Remedy Leads to Suspected Healer's Lynching in Kole
A 50-year-old traditional healer in Kole District has been allegedly beaten to death by the relatives of a 22-year-old man who died after consuming a herbal concoction meant to identify cow thieves. Police are investigating the incident and have launched a manhunt for the suspects. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/man-dies-after-herbal-remedy-relatives-allegedly-lynch-suspected-healer-5496266
A shocking incident of mob justice has unfolded in Kole District, resulting in the death of a traditional healer, Mary Oming, aged 50. The alleged revenge attack occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, after a young man, Ivan Ecom, 22, died following the administration of a herbal remedy.
Sources indicate that the events began approximately two weeks prior when Oming was reportedly hired by a woman named Mary Ayo to assist in recovering two stolen cows. Oming is said to have prepared a herbal mixture, which was then given to two suspects, including Ecom and another individual, Selestino Ogoro, to determine their guilt.
Tragically, Ecom succumbed to the concoction, while Ogoro reportedly survived. This outcome sparked outrage among Ecom’s relatives, who are alleged to have mobilized and subsequently attacked Oming at her home in Dibadi Cell, Akalo Town Council.
During the violent confrontation, the attackers are also accused of setting fire to two grass-thatched houses and damaging a motorcycle belonging to the healer. Police have confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are underway. North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson, Patrick Jimmy Okema, assured that a manhunt for the suspects has been launched.
Both Oming’s body and that of the deceased youth, Ivan Ecom, have been transported to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for post-mortem examinations. This incident highlights growing concerns about mob violence and revenge killings in Uganda, following recent similar incidents in other parts of the country.