EDITOR
The territorial police in Rukungiri District have launched a serious investigation into the shocking and tragic death of a couple who were burnt to death inside their house in what is suspected to be a deliberate act of arson.
The deceased have been identified as Byamukama Isaac, a 30-year-old boda boda rider, and his wife Akatuhurira Christine, aged 27, both residents of Ncerere Village, Kabinga Parish, Buhunga Sub-county in Rukungiri District.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at around 11:00am. Mr. Lawrence Kaganga, the area LC1 chairperson, said he received a call from a resident, Mr. Kariisa, alerting him about smoke billowing from the couple’s house, which was suspiciously locked from the front outside.
Upon rushing to the scene, Chairperson Kaganga found the house engulfed in flames. Efforts by community members to save the couple were in vain. Although they managed to access the house through the rear fence and found the back door open, the bedroom where the couple was sleeping had been locked from outside. By the time they broke in, the fire had already claimed both lives and destroyed all belongings inside the room.
Police were called to the scene, which was immediately cordoned off for examination and documentation. Statements have been recorded from key witnesses, and the bodies of the deceased were taken to Rwakabengo Health Centre III mortuary for postmortem.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, condemned the incident as a “barbaric and malicious act of criminality,” and affirmed that all efforts are being made to identify and apprehend the suspects behind the heinous act.
Investigations are ongoing. The community remains in shock as they await answers and justice for the slain couple.
