EDITOR
The Territorial Police in Rubanda District have two suspects in custody to assist with investigations into the alleged murder of Stephen Kasenene, 49, a resident of Kaburara Cell, Mpungu Parish, Hamurwa Sub County.
The incident occurred on 15th September 2025, at around 10:00 am, in Hakitoma Cell, Mpungu Parish, Hamurwa Sub County.
The suspects have been identified as: Orikiriza Denis alias Maguru, 45, a patrolman at Kaburara–Mafuga National Forest Reserve Beat, and resident of Rusanga Village, Shebeya, Hamurwa Sub County, Rubanda District and Katusiime Mary Vian, 42, a patrolman at Kirima–Mafuga NFA, and resident of Ikumba Cell, Shebeya Parish, Hamurwa Sub County, Rubanda District.
According to police, on the morning of 15th September at about 7:00 am, Orikiriza Denis allegedly went to the home of the deceased and requested him to accompany him in arresting individuals suspected of illegal activities in the forest reserve. Kasenene never returned home after leaving with him.
The following day, 16th September, Orikiriza reportedly returned to Kasenene’s home and asked his wife if the deceased had come back. After learning that he had not, Orikiriza allegedly remarked that Kasenene “might have died” before leaving again.
On 17th September, Orikiriza went back into the forest and Kasenene’s body was later discovered. The matter was reported to Hamurwa Police Station by forestry supervisor Atoke Dorothy.
Police visited and processed the crime scene, recorded witness statements, and conducted a postmortem examination. The body has since been handed over to relatives for burial.
Investigations are still ongoing.
