Soroti bishop urges moral reset after businesswoman's fatal shooting

SOROTI - The Bishop of the Diocese of Soroti in the Church of Uganda, Rt Rev. Kosea Odongo, has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old businesswoman, describing the act as a sign of moral decay and societal laziness.

While delivering his Easter Sunday sermon at St Peter’s Cathedral Church on April 5, 2026, Bishop Odongo used the pulpit to denounce the violent attack that claimed the life of Patricia Kokunda.

Addressing hundreds of Christians during the English service, he called for a return to hard work, faith and moral responsibility.

“The act of taking another person’s life for selfish gain reflects laziness and a departure from Christian values,” Bishop Odongo said, drawing a biblical parallel to the denial of Jesus Christ by Peter before the crucifixion.

He urged believers to use the Easter season as a time of spiritual renewal, encouraging them to allow Jesus Christ into their lives to transform their actions and choices.

Kokunda, a mobile money operator and businesswoman, was attacked on April 3, 2026, shortly after boarding a taxi en route to Ocorimongin Cattle Market.

According to reports, armed assailants riding a numberless motorcycle intercepted the vehicle, forcefully dragged her out and robbed her of an unspecified sum of money.

Bishop Odongo urged believers to use the Easter season as a time of spiritual renewal, encouraging them to allow Jesus Christ into their lives to transform their actions and choices. (Credit: Juliet Akello)

During the violent encounter, the attackers shot Kakunda, leaving her critically injured.
She was rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

In a press briefing held on April 5, 2026, the regional police commander for East Kyoga, Ibrahim Saiga, confirmed that all suspects connected to the fatal shooting had been apprehended, including the alleged gunman.

“We have successfully arrested all individuals believed to be involved in this heinous crime.

Investigations are ongoing, and more details will be provided in due course,” Saiga stated.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents and leaders in the region, with renewed calls for enhanced security measures and vigilance, particularly for mobile money operators who remain frequent targets of armed robbery.