Ekaju revealed that murders in Serere have fluctuated, with spikes in 2010, 2015, and 2022. He cited land disputes and domestic violence as major contributors to the killings, noting instances where family members turned against each other.
The Serere Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Robert Adiama Ekaju, has attributed the rising murder cases in the district to parental negligence and social dynamics, particularly among the youth involved in drug abuse.
Ekaju, who was transferred to Serere in September 2024, noted that the district has a history of murders, with recent cases prompting authorities to reassess the root causes.
He pointed out that Serere is home to a diverse population, with 80% being immigrants, some of whom settled during the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency.
"The problems in Serere cannot be examined in isolation from historical events. During the LRA insurgency, the rise of the Arrow Boys militia saw many people armed, leading to cases of gun violence," he said.
Ekaju revealed that murders in Serere have fluctuated, with spikes in 2010, 2015, and 2022. He cited land disputes and domestic violence as major contributors to the killings, noting instances where family members turned against each other.
"In October last year, a nephew killed his real aunt. In November, two women killed their husbands in Ochapa. Towards Christmas, a pastor was murdered while attempting to exorcise demons. Other cases include a man beaten to death in Atira, a neighbor fatally kicked in the chest while breaking up a fight, and a child killed by a bull," he detailed.
While acknowledging that some of the victims have been women, he insisted that the violence affects both genders. He expressed concern over youth involvement in crime, attributing it to drug abuse.
"One of our biggest problems is drug abuse. Many young people are smoking marijuana and using other substances, which fuels violence and crime," he warned.
Ekaju reassured residents that security forces were actively addressing the situation. He vowed that no criminal would escape justice under his watch.
"We have a competent security team. No one will commit a crime and go free. Just last night, I coordinated with the police to rescue a father whose son wanted to kill him in Kadungulu Sub-County. We are taking action," he said.
He called on parents to instill discipline in their children and work with authorities to restore peace.
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"The primary responsibility lies with parents. Many have failed to control their children, leading to these violent behaviors. We need collective efforts to end these senseless killings," he added.
Meanwhile, the State Minister of Fisheries and Serere Woman MP, Hellen Adoa, condemned the killings, describing the murder of 16-year-old Rebecca Viola Abiro as devastating.
Abiro, a senior three student at Serere Township Secondary School, was found dead by her parents on February 20, 2025.
Her body was discovered inside her grass-thatched hut, with the door open.
Preliminary investigations indicate that she was raped and strangled with a mosquito net, with suspects allegedly breaking into her room.
District leaders are now calling for intervention from the Uganda People's Defence Forces and President Museveni to address security concerns in the area.
