A Catholic priest and his driver are in police custody following the death of a 14-year-old boy, Joseph Kiirya, who was allegedly tortured under the priest’s orders.
Rev. Fr. Silver Osuna Owori, 33, the parish priest of Wesunile Catholic Parish, was arrested alongside his driver, Robert Gabula, over the weekend. Both are currently being held at Buyende Central Police Station and are expected to face criminal charges once investigations are complete.
According to preliminary findings by police, the events unfolded on Friday, August 1, 2025, when Fr. Owori reported the disappearance of Shs 5 million from his residence. Suspicion quickly fell on Kiirya, a teenager who had previously been accused of theft at the parish. Believing he had gone into hiding, Fr. Owori allegedly directed Gabula and another unidentified man, only known as Waiswa, to track down the boy.
The duo reportedly found Kiirya and brought him back to the parish compound, where investigators say the priest ordered his beating in an attempt to force a confession. Despite the assault, the boy reportedly maintained his innocence.
Kiirya was later locked inside the parish store, where his condition worsened. When he became unresponsive, Fr. Owori allegedly contacted police, claiming he had apprehended a suspected juvenile thief. However, when officers arrived at the scene, they found Kiirya dead and showing clear signs of severe physical abuse.
By then, the priest had reportedly fled.
Eyewitnesses from the local community confirmed seeing the teenager being escorted to the parish premises by the priest’s aides—marking the last time he was seen alive.
A postmortem conducted at Buyende Health Centre confirmed the cause of death as internal bleeding from multiple injuries, including deep wounds across his body. Police said the boy likely died from blood loss and the absence of prompt medical attention.
Busoga North police spokesperson, Michael Kasadha, condemned the act and assured the public that all suspects would be held accountable. He also revealed that efforts are underway to locate Waiswa, who is still at large.
Investigations remain ongoing.
