Police in Busoga North have launched a manhunt for Rev. Fr. Owori Osune, the parish priest of Wesunire Catholic Parish in Buyende District, following the death of a suspected thief allegedly tortured under his watch.
The deceased, Joseph Kiirya, is believed to have died from severe injuries sustained after being beaten, reportedly on the priest’s orders. Police say Fr. Owori had lost over five million shillings under unclear circumstances in the early hours of Friday, August 1st. Kiirya who had a previous history of theft involving the priest—was quickly suspected.
According to preliminary investigations, Fr. Owori instructed two of his aides, identified only as Gabula and Waiswa, to track down Kiirya. After capturing him, the two allegedly brought Kiirya to the parish, where the priest is said to have ordered a brutal beating before locking him inside a store on church premises.
Kiirya was reportedly left without medical attention for more than 24 hours. He is believed to have died from the injuries sustained during the alleged torture.
Sources close to the investigation say the priest later reported a theft to police, claiming he had apprehended a suspect only to flee the parish before officers arrived. When police arrived at the scene, they found Kiirya’s lifeless body inside the locked store.
His body has been taken to Kidera Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination as police intensify investigations.
Eyewitnesses told our reporters that Kiirya was seen being dragged to the parish compound. They say they didn’t intervene, believing the matter had already been reported to the police due to Kiirya’s known criminal history.
Authorities are now urging anyone with information on Fr. Owori’s whereabouts to come forward.
