LUWEERO — Police in Luweero District are investigating the mob killing of two men suspected of cattle theft in Mabuye Trading Centre, Kamira Sub-county, in an incident that has renewed concerns over the persistence of mob violence in rural communities.
The deceased have been identified as Henry Matovu and Dan Sebuuma, both 28, residents of Kamira Town Council in Luweero District.
According to Savannah Regional Police spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at around 4:40 a.m.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that at about 4:00 a.m., two suspected cattle thieves were beaten and killed by a mob in Mabuye Trading Centre. The suspects were reportedly chased from the direction of Kamira Town Council before being intercepted and attacked by residents,” Twiineamazima said.
Police said the two men were riding a motorcycle, registration number UDU 118A, a Bajaj Boxer, which was also torched by the mob during the attack.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the incident and opened a case of murder by mob.
A team of homicide detectives and Scene of Crime officers examined the area and collected evidence, while a police canine unit was deployed to help identify those involved in the killings.
“A team from the Homicide Department and Scene of Crime Officers examined the scene while a canine unit was deployed to assist in tracking down suspects. The dog rotated within a boda boda stage area, prompting several riders to flee the scene,” Twiineamazima said.
Police have since arrested five suspects to assist with investigations. The suspects were identified as Steven Kutesa Sande, Shafiq Swaib, Solomon Kizito, Aron Tumuhebwa and Abel Tugume.
“We have arrested five suspects in connection with the incident while efforts to apprehend other individuals involved are ongoing,” Twiineamazima added.
Investigators recovered several exhibits from the scene, including blood-stained items, sticks and bricks believed to have been used in the attack.
The bodies were transported to Luweero Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations as investigations continue.
The latest incident adds to a growing number of mob-related killings reported across the country, despite repeated warnings from law enforcement agencies against taking the law into one's own hands.
Police condemned the attack and urged members of the public to hand over suspects to authorities rather than resorting to vigilante justice.
“Further inquiries into the matter are ongoing,” Twiineamazima said.