Busia man found hanged was killed – autopsy

A suspected suicide reported in Busia has taken a new turn after a post-mortem report indicated that the victim may have been killed.

Authorities now suspect Christopher Okumu may have been killed.

His body is also believed to have been staged to appear as though he had hanged himself.

Okumu’s body was found hanging from a tree near his home in Kamarinyang village in Teso Central on April 20.

However, an autopsy conducted at Alupe University Mortuary revealed injuries that were inconsistent with suicide.

The report indicated broken hands and legs, four fractured ribs on both sides, as well as deep injuries to the neck and face.

Family lawyer Obella Opuru said the findings suggest the deceased suffered severe trauma before his death.

He alleged that the body may have been tampered with after death.

The deceased’s brother, Chrispinus Omusugu, was present during the post-mortem.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said preliminary findings suggest more than one person may have been involved, citing signs of physical restraint and pressure on the chest, which indicate the victim may have died before the body was hanged.

Two suspects are in custody as investigations continue after a court allowed police to detain them.

Kaujkito chief George Okemeri said the deceased and his wife reportedly quarrelled on the night of the incident.

Police recovered items from a plantation near the scene, including blankets, a bed sheet, undergarments, a hammer and an axe, which were allegedly stained with blood and are believed to belong to the deceased.

Okumu is expected to be buried on Thursday at his Kamarinyang home.

His family is, however, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.