Irate Residents Destroy Property of Suspected Killer of Bukomansimbi Couple

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Irate Residents Destroy Property of Suspected Killer of Bukomansimbi Couple
Angry residents razed down crops and torched the home of the suspect in the young couple's murder | Zainab Ssengendo

What began as a quest for justice by the local community quickly turned into a wave of destruction. Kabuye’s homes, crops, animals, and even shrines were targeted.

The village of Kyansi in Butenga sub-county, Bukomansimbi, is reeling from a night of violence. Angry residents destroyed properties belonging to Gusto Kabuye, the uncle of the late Joseph Bukenya.

Kabuye is suspected of playing a role in the brutal murder of his nephew and Bukenya’s wife, Suzan Namukasa, during an attack on Monday night.

What began as a quest for justice by the local community quickly turned into a wave of destruction. Kabuye’s homes, crops, animals, and even shrines were targeted.

Upon arrival, our reporters found the atmosphere in Kyansi village charged with tension.

The first sight was the smouldering remains of Kabuye’s shrines, set ablaze by residents accusing him of witchcraft and the deaths of their beloved neighbours.

Chaos ensued as villagers broke into Kabuye’s house, determined to vent their anger.

"We cannot tolerate these satanic acts that have taken the lives of our people," one resident said, his voice thick with emotion. "We have burned his shrines, and we will never accept witchcraft in this village."

The tension escalated as residents carried animals believed to belong to Kabuye, vowing to slaughter and cook them in honour of the deceased couple. United in their anger, they destroyed more of Kabuye's properties.

His banana plantations were hacked down, and his other homes were ransacked.

"We can't just sit and watch as our people are killed. If we catch Gusto, we will do to him what he did to Bukenya and his wife," a resident declared fiercely.

Another man, who had worked for Bukenya, added, "Bukenya was my boss. I earned my living from him, and now that he's gone, I won’t rest until Kabuye gets what’s coming to him."

After finishing with Kabuye's properties, the residents gathered at Butanga trading center, openly expressing their determination to rid the village of anyone involved in witchcraft or murder.

Their demands for justice were punctuated by promises of further action if Kabuye is not held accountable.

Masaka region police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye condemned the residents' actions but urged Kabuye to come forward to law enforcement for his own safety.

"We are aware that residents have looted and destroyed Kabuye’s properties, including taking items from inside his houses. We are investigating this matter to identify those responsible for taking the law into their own hands," Kasirye said.

"We urge Kabuye to report himself to the police before the situation worsens."

Despite calls for calm from authorities, the anger among Kyansi's residents remains palpable.

The community demands swift justice for the slain Bukenya and Namukasa and appears unwilling to wait for legal channels to take their course.

The police have launched investigations into both the murders and the retaliatory actions by the residents.

However, the situation in Kyansi remains volatile as fears of further violence loom.

As authorities attempt to restore order, many in the village grapple with grief and fear.

The murder has sent shockwaves through the small community, leaving an indelible mark on those who once lived peacefully alongside their neighbours.

With Kabuye still on the run, it remains uncertain how long this volatile situation will persist and what consequences it might bring for those involved in the destruction of his properties.

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