A man identified as Bruce, also known as Kastic from Kyatoko, was found dead in Butimba Cell, Kinyasaano Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality. According to local reports, Bruce was over 30 years old and had been caught stealing a bunch of matoke belonging to Innocent Turyahabwe Kino, LC3 chairperson of Bugangari Sub-county and Patriotic League of Uganda chairperson.
A local Ghetto Youth chairperson reported that Bruce had asked him the previous day to buy yellow bananas. The chairperson later heard that Bruce had allegedly taken a bunch of matoke and, the next morning, saw him with people he identified as Kino's workers. The chairperson claimed that Bruce was still talking around midday but had serious wounds to his head, which allegedly looked as though they may have been caused by nails.
The Ghetto Youth chairperson alleged that Bruce's injuries were severe, and he later died without receiving help. Youth in the area expressed grief and called on authorities to intervene, warning against people taking the law into their own hands. The circumstances surrounding Bruce's death remain unclear, and the allegations should be investigated by the relevant authorities promptly.
PLU Chairperson Turyahabwe Innocent Kino confirmed that Bruce was caught stealing his matoke but denied ordering anyone to assault him. Kino stated that he had told his workers to let Bruce go and described the death, which he learned of hours later, as shocking. Kino's account of the incident contradicts some of the claims made by local residents.
Police took the body to Rwakabengo Health Centre III in Southern Division. At the time of reporting, police had not publicly provided a cause of death or released findings about the incident. The investigation into Bruce's death is ongoing, and authorities are yet to determine the cause of his injuries and the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident has sparked concerns about vigilantism and the rule of law in the area. Local residents are calling for authorities to take swift action to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The Patriotic League of Uganda and local leaders have a responsibility to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur in the future.
The community remains in shock over Bruce's death, and many are demanding answers. Authorities must investigate the allegations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The incident highlights the need for calm and the rule of law to prevail in Rukungiri Municipality.
Key points
- The circumstances surrounding Bruce's death remain unclear.
- Authorities have not publicly provided a cause of death.
- The incident has sparked concerns about vigilantism and the rule of law.
