Residents of Nkarakara Village in Kahunge Town Council, Kamwenge District, have stoned a man to death after accusing him of killing and burying a five-year-old girl, Mary Cynthia.
The deceased, identified only as Peter, was the estranged husband of the child’s relative.
Trouble reportedly began when Peter, who had separated from his wife, visited her family home in the middle of the night demanding to know her whereabouts.
Peter’s mother-in-law, Gorreti Kyomugabe, recounted that the incident occurred around 1am.
“Peter came and kicked the door open. We all ran out for safety, but he chased us and grabbed Synthia from where we were hiding. That was the last time we saw her alive,” she said tearfully.
The Local Council I Chairperson of Nkarakara Village, John Ndagyijimana, described Peter as violent and unstable.
“He has always been chaotic and showed clear signs of mental illness. We tried to counsel him several times,” he explained.
After the child’s disappearance, police reportedly arrested Peter. However, residents overpowered the officers, seized him, and killed him on the spot.
Kamwenge District Police Commander, SP Mugira Kato Yeko, confirmed the incident, noting that investigations into both the child’s murder and Peter’s lynching have begun.
“Yes, a case of mob justice has been registered following the murder of a child. We strongly condemn taking the law into one’s own hands. The public should allow police to handle such matters,” SP Mugira said.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as the investigations continue.