GIDEON TUMWIJUKYE
Residents of Rubanda East on Friday gathered at the Kigezi Regional Police Headquarters, demanding the release of their fellow community members who were arrested in connection with the mob justice killing of a suspected thief. The individuals arrested—Alex Matsiko, Richard Begira, and Amos Atuhaire Kibibi—are accused of participating in the lynching of Joab Ainembabazi, a resident of Rwamuzoka village in Bigungiro Parish, Nyamweru Sub-county. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
The protesting residents came from seven villages within Bigungiro Parish, Nyamweru Sub-county, including Rwamuzoka, Kagoyi, Keru, Ikamiro, Nyakabingo, Nyamiyaga, and Rwakaruma. Additional support came from residents of Kaziniro, Birarara, Rukore, and Murambi in Muyanje Ward, Bubaare Town Council. The residents, who have been facing a surge in theft of livestock and property, expressed their frustration, noting that the thieves are hampering government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM). They explained that after receiving PDM funds to buy livestock, thieves had stolen the animals, leaving them unable to meet their obligations to the government.
Led by community members like Denise Namanya from Keru, Edward Niwahereza from Kagoyi, Prossy Turyamureeba from Bigungiro Trading Centre, and Julius Katiraho, among others, the residents demanded action, describing theft as a major obstacle to development in the area. They called on Rubanda District leaders and their legislator, Minister of Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi, to intervene and address the persistent theft issue.
Local leaders, including Fred Byakwaga (Chairman LC2 Bigungiro Parish), Gilbert Katushabe (Chairman LCI Bigungiro Trading Centre), Alex Tabaruka (Vice Chairman Bigungiro Trading Centre), and Docus Narohoza (Nyamweru Subcounty Councillor representing Bigungiro Parish Women), expressed frustration with police response times. They criticized the police for their slow reaction to theft incidents but rapid response to mob actions. The leaders also questioned why the suspects were being detained in Kabale District, despite being residents of Rubanda District.
During the peaceful march from Bigungiro Trading Centre to the Kigezi Regional Police Headquarters in Kabale, Kigezi Regional Police Commander ACP Ibrahim Saiga assured the residents that their concerns would be addressed after the Kisoro Women Member of Parliament by-election. He promised to work closely with local leaders to find a long-term solution to the theft problem and urged residents not to resort to mob justice.
