Teenager shot dead in Otuke police clash with suspected youth gang in Uganda

A 15-year-old boy was shot dead Friday evening during a confrontation with police in Otuke District, northern Uganda, authorities have confirmed. The deceased has been identified as Denis Okello.

According to North Kyoga Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema, officers were conducting an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected motorcycle thieves and robbers at Te-Oboke Cell, Oget Ward, in Otuke Town Council.

The operation began around 8 pm on Friday, October 23. Police say the suspects confronted officers, pelting them with stones from multiple directions, prompting officers to fire into the air to disperse the group.

Okema stated that the exact circumstances surrounding the teenager's death had not yet been established.

Investigations are underway under case file DEF 08/2026, and the body is awaiting post-mortem at Orom Health Centre IV. Following the incident, unrest broke out as community members attempted to storm Otuke Central Police Station with stones, demanding answers about the death.