MP Mwijukye, journalist attacked by suspected land grabbers

Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye escaped with his life Sunday evening but sustained serious injuries, with deep cuts inflicted by machete-wielding goons.

Seven other people sustained injuries in the attack in which Ms Juliet Kyarisiima, a local journalist attached to Vision Group's TV West station, lost her gadgets.

Deo Atuhaire, the Buhweju district chairman, said Mwijukye and the seven targeted people were rescued by police's prompt intervention.

"He is currently undergoing treatment at a health facility in Mbarara City, so please let the constituents keep calm - he is out of danger," Mr Atuhaire said in a WhatsApp message posted on a group seen by this reporter.

MP Mwijukye and the group were attacked while congregating to discuss issues parishioners at Rwanyamabaare Catholic Church in Nyakishana Subcounty said they were facing.

The parishioners had earlier shared to the legislator their ordeal of "untouchable" persons this website cannot name for legal reasons involved in grabbing land belonging to the church.

Mwijukye had earlier appeared on a radio talks show in Mbarara, during which he revealed his plans to interface with the said land grabbers.

But it appears they had listened in and prepared to attack the MP.

The panga-wielding gang attacked the congregation leaving the MP with deep cuts on the head.

According to Mr Atuhaire, the gang also had sticks and stones, with which they hit the hapless legislator and his group.

Journalist Kyarisiima said her gadgets and equipment were damaged in the attack.

"My laptop, phones and camera were destroyed," Ms Kyarisiima said.

Land grabbing cases are increasingly becoming rampant in the ankole sub-region and other parts of the country.