EDITOR
Territorial Police in Rukungiri District have launched a manhunt for suspects accused of assaulting and killing a 28-year-old man, Muhumuza Robert, also known as Muja, a resident of Ruyonza Cell, Nyarushanje Sub-county.
According to a preliminary police report, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 2, 2025, at Ikondere Cell, Ibanda Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-county. The suspects, including Turyahabwe Benson — the area chairperson of Ikondere Cell — his wife Christine Turyahabwe, their employee only identified as Girigori, and others still at large, are said to have violently assaulted the deceased and his companion, Mwesigwa Hillary.
It is alleged that on the night of Sunday, June 1, 2025, at around 10:00 PM, the deceased and Mwesigwa, both reportedly intoxicated, decided to spend the night at Mwesigwa’s home. At around midnight, Benson and his group stormed the residence, forcibly entered, and accused the duo of stealing coffee from Benson’s home.
Upon gaining entry, the suspects allegedly tied both men with ropes and subjected them to a brutal beating. The commotion drew the attention of a witness, Akampa Felix, a brother to Mwesigwa Hillary, who intervened and stopped the assault. The suspects then left the scene, leaving the two victims in severe pain.
Tragically, by the afternoon of June 2 at around 3:00 PM, Mwesigwa Hillary discovered that Muhumuza Robert had succumbed to his injuries. Akampa Felix promptly notified the police, and a case of murder was registered at Rubabo Police Station.
Police spokesperson for Kigezi Region, ASP Maate Elly, confirmed the incident, noting that the scene of crime was visited and documented. Witness statements were recorded, Mwesigwa Hillary was medically examined, and a postmortem was conducted on the deceased.
“The suspects are currently on the run, but we are actively pursuing leads to bring them to justice,” ASP Maate stated.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
