A wave of grief and outrage has swept through Buyende district following the brutal murder of a 14-year-old boy, Joseph Kirya, who was allegedly tortured to death after being accused of stealing money from a Catholic priest.
The young victim, a resident of Wesunire, Makanga Ward in Buyende Town Council, was reportedly accused of stealing UGX 5,000,000 (Five Million Shillings) from the room of Reverend Father Owori Silver Osuna, a 33-year-old priest at Wesunire Parish.
According to police reports, when Fr. Owori discovered the money missing, he launched a manhunt with the help of his driver, Gabula Robert, and another individual identified as Waiswa.
On Friday, August 1, 2025, at around 5:00 PM, young Kirya was captured and taken to the church, where he was allegedly severely beaten before being locked inside the parish store overnight.
The next day, Saturday, August 2, at 9:00 AM, Fr. Owori reported the theft to police and requested officers to pick up the suspect. However, when police arrived, they were directed to the store—only to find Kirya’s lifeless body lying on the floor.
By then, Fr. Owori had already fled, leaving behind a scene of horror. Detectives rushed to the parish, examined the body, and later handed it over to the family for burial.
ASP Isaac Kasadha, the Regional Police Spokesperson for Busoga North, strongly condemned the illegal detention and mob justice inflicted on the juvenile.
"While any individual can make an arrest, the law strictly prohibits unlawful detention and torture. Only the police have the authority to hold suspects after an arrest," ASP Kasadha stated.
He assured the public that a manhunt is underway for Fr. Owori, Gabula Robert, and others involved, as investigations continue.
The tragic death of Joseph Kirya has left residents in shock, with many questioning how such cruelty could be inflicted on a child.
"Even if he stole, was torture the answer? He was just a boy," lamented a neighbor, fighting back tears.
As the search for justice begins, the family and community are left grappling with an unbearable loss—a young life cut short in the most painful way imaginable.
