East African Gazette
Abim
Patrick Owiny, also known as Ocaya, a retired soldier from Abim West Cell, Abim district in Karamoja sub-region, is currently evading the authorities after a violent incident.
The 53-year-old nearly killed his wife, Grace Apio, 51, after shooting her with a bow and arrow and then proceeded to steal her shs7 million.
The incident occurred during a confrontation between Owiny and another man named David Ongom, who had won all her husband’s (Owiny) money while gambling at her.
Out of jealousy and anger, Owiny is said to have initiated a fight with Ongom, demanding the return of his money.
In the midst of the altercation, Owiny’s wife (Apio) intervened to stop the violence.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Owiny aimed the bow and arrow at his wife and shot her in the right eye.
He then fled the scene after robbing shs7, 000,000 from his wife’s shop.
Apio was immediately rushed to Abim hospital and later transferred to Lacor hospital for further treatment.
Although she is now out of danger, the arrow caused permanent blindness in her right eye.
The police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, emphasized the need to address the escalating levels of violence in domestic settings and urged individuals living in vulnerable situations to seek help from the Child and Family Protection Officer at their nearest police stations.
The 2022 Police Annual Crime Report reveals that there were 17,533 reported cases of domestic violence in 2021, a slight decrease of 0.74% compared to the 17,664 cases reported in 2020.
The report highlights that dispute over family property, failure to provide for families, drug and alcohol abuse, and infidelity were the main causes of domestic violence incidents.