EXCLUSIVE CRIME REPORT: 35 die On Xmas, New Year Eve

By Francis Otucu

Over 35 people are said to have died between December 24 and December 26, 2019 and between December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2019, a crime report indicates.

The number could even be higher given that the Lango, Acholi, Bugisu, Sebei, Teso and West Nile regions are not covered in this report.

The reported deaths are of different forms such as poisoning, drowning, murders, suicide and road accidents, and below is a detailed brief on the causes of death and extent of investigations.

KAMPALA   

The police Wednesday, January 1 said five people died on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 in Kampala.  Two of the dead were shot by Local Defence Unit officers, and the police added that 226 people were arrested in New Year security operations. However, Kampala Metropolitan Spokesperson Patrick Onyango described the New Year celebrations as being largely ‘peaceful’.

RUKUNGIRI

On December 25, 2019, Benon Tibesigwa aged 21 was gunned down by police officers on night duty.

It is alleged that Tibesigwa, a student at St. Jerome S.S was attending a music show when officers attached to Kebisoni Police Station approached the venue and reportedly met resistance from the revelers. This prompted them to fire live bullets, ending Tibesigwa’s life. The officers: No 44047 Sgt David Twebaze, No 35494 DC Agaba Busingye, No 049 Ruku SPC Begumisa Baziira are in custody. The matter is being investigated Vide SD Ref 05/25/12/2019 of Rukungiri.

KISORO

On December 24, 2019, a yet to be identified vehicle claimed the life of 45-year old Vanansi Kamomo at Mutengo village along Muko – Rubuguri Road.  The matter was registered TAR 46/2019 of Kisoro.

KYENJOJO

Reckless driving on December 24, 2019 caused the death of two people in Kyenjojo. The incident happened at Matiri Forest Reserve, Matiri Parish, Kihuura Sub-County in Kyenjojo district along Kyenjojo-Kampala road. It involved two vehicles registration numbers, UBD 174A and UAT 726D (a FUSO Fighter).  

HOIMA

Wilson Tumusime, 30, a causal worker and a resident of Kiryatete East Cell, Kahoora Division, Hoima Municipality in Hoima district died about 9am on December 12, 2019. He was hit by a piece of wood with nails.  This, after he was accused by Ronald Taremwa of moving out with a bar maid, his friend’s girlfriend. One Julius Monday and his killer friend, Taremwa have fled while the bar manager and others were held briefly for statement recording before being freed.

HOIMA

December 25, 2019, Jackson Onyorito was attacked by three armed Congolese in police uniform, who took one outboard engine and a fishing net. The incident happened at 12am at Kijangi Village, Tonya Parish, Buseruka Sub-County, Hoima district and the matter was reported to Kijangi Police Post.

KABALE

In Kabale, a hit and run accident claimed the life of Rogers Nuwagaba, 27. He was hit on Christmas Day by a Toyota Wish vehicle registration number UBE 667M at Kitumba along Katuna-Kabale Road. The killer vehicle then sped off towards Kabale town. Case registered as TAR 41/2019 – Kabale.

KITAGWENDA

On December 25, 2019, a case of death by poisoning was reported at Kitagwenda Police Station. Muniru Muzahura, 10, is said to have taken rat poison while playing after lunch on Christmas. The deceased was son to Songo Ebura of Kyendangara Town Council, Kyendangara Parish in Mahyoro Sub-County. Case registered as SD ref: 11/25/12/2019 at Kyedangara Police Post.  

KIHOGO

At Kihogo landing site on Lake George, Bashir Abiine drowned after going fishing with friends on Xmas day.

This occurred at 8pm on Christmas Day and a case was reported to police in Kihogo.

“He tried to retrieve this illegal boat from the papyrus reeds but did not get out as his friends waited. However, he didn’t get out,” an eyewitness said. Abiine’s body was retrieved after a combined search.

RUBANDA

Fred Ngabirano, 46, a resident of Hamurara village, Nyamiyaga Parish, Bubare sub-county in Rubanda district is said to have killed himself by committing suicide. 

The deceased, according to eyewitnesses, hanged himself on an avocado tree about 200 meters away from his home. The incident happened on Boxing Day.

Investigators say continued family wrangles and an assault by his daughter could have forced Ngabirano to commit suicide. The case was reported as suicide Vide SD 02/26/12/19.

IBANDA

In Ibanda, the police are investigating circumstances under which Getrida Ashaba, 53, was killed. The incident happened on the night of December 12, 2019 at Nyamabale village, Birongo parish, Kijongo sub-county in Ibanda district. The police officers have visited the scene while a prime suspect in the matter has fled. Case was reported to Ishongororo Police Station vide CRB 346 /2019 (Murder).

GGABA  

On Boxing Day, a police officer attached to VIPPU shot himself dead in Ggaba, a city suburb. Police Constable No 57583 Bernard Wakuma was a guard assigned to city pastor, Robert Kayanja. His body, a gun number UG 6148199823593 and cartridge were retrieved. Case reported Vide Ggaba CRB 155/2019.

KAYUNGA

In Kayunga, the police is investigating the murder of Haruna Kapere, 63, a resident of Buguvu village, Nazigo in Kayunga district. It is alleged that his body was found lying near buildings opposite the Nazigo sub-county headquarters. The police say investigations are underway vide SD Ref 03/25/12/2019 of Nazigo Police.

BUIKWE

On December 30, 2019, Lugazi Police Station recorded a case of murder Vide SD Ref 57/30/12/2019. Betty Nakabugo, 26, was stabbed on the thigh next to her private parts and her husband, Edward Wamala, the prime suspect in the matter is on the run as police continues the search.

NTUNGAMO

On Boxing Day, six people died in an accident along Ntungamo-Kabale highway, after a tyre burst.

The accident involved a motor vehicle registration number UBB 820Z (Toyota Hiace) and Motor cycle, Bajaj Boxer registration number UER 363D. The case was reported Vide TAR 129/2019 of Ntungamo Police Station.

KANUNGU

On December 31, 2019, a man identified as Felix Amutusimire was killed by mob. The incident happened at Kichwamba Cell, Northern Ward, Kanungu Town Council at the residence of Ruth Karungi.

The deceased, 28, is said to have broken into her house with intent to steal. Eyewitnesses said Ms. Karungi made an alarm which attracted the attention of a night guard who responded, beating Amutusimire and leaving him for dead.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at Rugyeyo Hospital. Case reported vide KNG CRB 739/2019.

NJERU

On December 12, 2019 Farida Mbabazi, 9, a pupil at Kiryowa Umea Primary School and a resident of Katwekankoko Cell was sent by the mother, Rehema Batuka, 25, to a nearby shop.

The girl however delayed returning home, prompting her mother to try and find out what might have happened. To her shock, the shop attendant denied seeing her daughter. But on her way back home, Ms. Batuka chanced on her daughter’s sandal and there were also signs of a scuffle.

Following the prints led Ms Batuka to a jackfruit tree, and there was her daughter’s lifeless body, raped and strangled dead. At a distance, a man run, as if for his life. She made an alarm which attracted the attention of neighbors who arrested Patrick Owiny alias Ibra. He was killed by mob who were convinced Owiny raped the minor before killing her. Case reported Vide CRB 442/19

KISORO

In Kisoro on January, 1 2020, a one Kabeni, 35, succumbed to panga cuts inflicted on him by unknown people. Investigators say Kabeni was attacked at his home and pelted with stones before breaking in and cutting him several times. He succumbed to injuries at Kisoro Hospital. Five people have been arrested to help in investigation. Case of murder has been reported Vide CRB 003/2020.

KAKUMIRO

In Kakumiro, a landlord, Rajabu Mugiraneza reportedly hacked his tenant Habimana to death on January 1, 2020, over rent arrears. According to an eyewitness Habimaana died shortly, after the incident which happened at Betaniya village, Kikoora parish in Kikoora sub-county. The killer remains at large.

MBARARA

Murder vide CRB 001/01/2020 was registered at Karungangama Cell, Katete Ward, Nyamitanga Division in Mbarara Municipality, after Robert Muhairwe, 40, was found lying unconscious. His body had deep cuts and died later.

BUGIRI

Four people including three children and an elderly woman perished in a house fire in Makoma village, Buwuni Town Council in Bugiri District.

The deceased are Ms Eseza Nabwoso, 60, who died while trying to rescue Mercy Tibenda, 5, Mary Elanda, 11, and Rosen Ukasha, 3.

The fire which was reportedly sparked off by a candle is said to have started after midnight when the children were home alone. Their parents and caretakers had gone for night prayers to usher in the New Year.

Baker Bisanze, an LC official, said one of the children is said to have tampered with the candle.

“We suspect the fire might have been started by the burning candle that was left by the victims’ parents,” Bisanze said.

Yonah Ochwo, who was among the first responders, said among the dead was a child who had just visited the family from Musita in Mayuge district.

“As police we call upon residents to stop leaving their children alone in the house at night and we feel it’s better for people to use solar lamps instead of candles,” he said.

According to Batasi, the old woman had managed to rescue two of the five children but suffocated and died as she attempted to evacuate the other three.

Muhammad Bagaga, a resident, said he was awoken by the inferno just after midnight and all efforts to rescue the victims were futile due to the intensity of the fire which had ripped off part of the roof and left huge cracks on the wall.

The bodies of the victims were taken to Bugiri hospital for an autopsy before being handed over to their relatives for burial.

KABALE

On January 2, 2019, Kabale Central Police Station registered a case of shooting at 2pm. Denis Musinguzi, a supervisor at Saracen Security Company shot himself dead using a star pistol number PSO T1102-6801019. Up to the time of committing suicide, Musinguzi had been accused of defiling a 1-year old Vide CRB 008/2020 of Kabale and had been summoned.

A case of Shooting Vide Ref 43/02/01/2020, has been reported.

RUBIRIZI

There was death by drowning recorded at Rubirizi Vide DEF 1/2020.

Damiyano Bitwiremunda, 21, a resident of Nyakasharu Town Council, Rubirizi district died at Jackana Safari Lodges at 7pm on January 1, 2020. The deceased had reportedly paid a visit to his father, Ryajunwaoha Kerisesio, a guard at the same facility and later on decide to go swimming.

It was after a while when Bitwiremunda’s lifeless body was discovered floating.

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