The Bijaambiya killings in Uganda's greater Masaka region have sparked renewed controversy following allegations by Lt. Matanda Mabonga. In a video circulating online, Mabonga named Nyonga Tony as one of the individuals allegedly connected to the attacks. He also suggested that elements within the government may have had a hand in the violence. The claims have not been independently verified, and no publicly available evidence has established the alleged involvement of the named individual or government operatives.
The Bijaambiya killings involved a series of brutal attacks that left several people dead across Masaka and neighbouring areas. The violence triggered widespread fear among residents and placed security agencies under intense public scrutiny. The case attracted significant political attention following the arrest of two opposition legislators, Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana, in September 2021. They were arrested over alleged links to murders associated with the Masaka violence.
Ssegirinya, then Kawempe North MP, and Ssewanyana, who represented Makindye West, remained in detention for nearly two years while facing criminal charges, which they denied. Their prosecution generated heated debate across the country, with opposition leaders, human rights defenders, and other critics questioning the investigations, the evidence presented, and the lengthy period the legislators spent behind bars.
Ssegirinya later died in January 2025 following a prolonged period of illness, bringing renewed attention to the legal and political battles he had faced. Mabonga's latest remarks could once again place the Bijaambiya investigations under the spotlight, particularly regarding whether investigators pursued all possible leads and examined alternative explanations for the attacks.
Mabonga's claims raise questions about the identities of those responsible for the killings and whether individuals beyond those initially prosecuted were ever seriously investigated. The allegations also highlight concerns about the government's handling of the case and potential involvement of government operatives in the violence.
The renewed controversy is likely to intensify calls for a transparent review of the Bijaambiya case. Victims' families and concerned Ugandans continue to demand accountability and answers about the killings. The case has significant implications for Uganda's justice system and the government's ability to protect its citizens.
The allegations against Nyonga Tony and potential government involvement in the Bijaambiya killings remain claims and should not be interpreted as established facts without independent verification and supporting evidence. Nevertheless, the claims have sparked renewed debate about the case and the need for further investigation.
Key points
- Lt. Matanda Mabonga alleges Nyonga Tony's involvement in the Bijaambiya attacks.
- Mabonga suggests government elements may have been involved in the violence.
- The allegations have sparked renewed calls for a transparent review of the Bijaambiya case.
