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The acting District Health Officer (DHO), Bishop Paul Drileba, was killed on Saturday
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ARUA - The Police in Arua are investigating the brutal murder of the Acting District Health Officer (DHO), Bishop Paul Drileba, who was killed on Saturday in a violent land dispute.
According to the West Nile Police Spokesperson Collins Asea, two suspects are in custody to assist in investigations into the killing, which occurred in Oyeku Village, Ombokoro Parish, Ajia Sub-county. The incident has been registered under case number CRB 249/2024.
Arua district leaders, led by LC5 Alfred Okuonzi (left), discuss at the Arua Hospital mortuary where a postmortem examination was conducted
The Incident
Drileba, aged 55, was attacked around 2:30 p.m. while supervising the demarcation of land he recently purchased in September 2024. He was accompanied by his lawyer, surveyors, and workers when a group of over 50 armed individuals confronted them.
The assailants, wielding machetes, axes, bows, and arrows, launched a violent attack, fatally wounding Drileba and one of the surveyors. Others in the group managed to escape. Police found sh1.7 million in cash on Drileba’s body, indicating that the attackers were motivated by grievances related to the land rather than robbery.
Preliminary investigations suggest the land is contested by members of the Oyeku clan, who claim historical ownership and objected to its sale. The bodies of Drileba and the surveyor were taken to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem. The funeral service has since transferred Drileba's body to his home for prayers, and burial is scheduled for Tuesday.
Condemnation from leaders
Arua LC5 Chairperson Alfred Okuonzi expressed shock and dismay at the community’s actions. “This act tarnishes the reputation of our district. Disputes should be resolved through negotiation and dialogue, not violence,” Okuonzi said. He urged leaders and security forces to restore peace in the area and called on the bereaved family to seek justice through lawful means.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Nicholas Oguang, described Drileba as a humble, hardworking officer whose death leaves a significant gap in Arua's health services. “The entire technical fraternity is mourning. It’s tragic that people he served turned against him,” Oguang stated.
Arua LC5 Alfred Okuonzi and mourners at the Arua Hospital mortuary, where the body of Bishop Paul Drileba was brought for a postmortem examination
About Bishop Paul Drileba
Born on July 16, 1969, in Arua, Drileba had a distinguished career in healthcare. He joined Makerere University, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (1996–2000) and later a master’s in Public Health (2004–2012). He also pursued an MBA at Kyambogo University (2011–2013) and a postgraduate diploma in project planning from the Uganda Management Institute (2009–2010). Drileba joined Arua District as the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health Care in 2015 and assumed the role of Acting DHO in 2018. His death leaves the district without leadership in both positions.
Police investigations
The Police have intensified investigations to identify and apprehend all individuals involved. The two suspects currently detained at Arua Central Police Station remain unnamed. “We urge the public to remain calm and resolve disputes through lawful channels,” Asea said, extending condolences to Drileba’s family and the community.
Moving Forward
Arua District Council plans to honor Drileba’s contributions during a council meeting at his home on Monday. Leaders, including Okuonzi, have pledged to work with security forces to ensure justice for the fallen DHO.
Torch Media Africa
