IGANGA – Authorities in Busoga East have launched investigations into the suspected murder of Lira City West Division Assistant Resident City Commissioner Karim Mwase, whose body was discovered dumped in a trench in Nabwoli village, Nakalama Sub-county, Iganga District, at around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Preliminary findings indicate Mwase’s body was found just a few meters from the private vehicle he had been driving.
The car was discovered parked in the middle of the Iganga–Tirinyi highway, with hazard lights flashing and the engine still running. All windows were open, but there was no sign of the occupant.
According to Nasser Kakaire, the Assistant RCC of Bugweri District and a close colleague of the deceased, he received a phone call around 8:00 p.m. notifying him that Mwase’s car had been seen abandoned on the highway.
“I rushed to the scene and found the car with all windows down, the engine still running, but Karim was nowhere to be seen,” Kakaire said.
A search mounted by local residents led to the grim discovery of Mwase’s body dumped in a nearby trench, just meters from the vehicle. His body was found with visible injuries, including a deep wound on the forehead and blood oozing from his nose.
Deputy RCC of Bukiwe, Sanon Dalah, confirmed that Mwase had on Saturday attended his own introduction ceremony in Kirongero village, Bugiri District. He was reportedly scheduled to travel back to his duty station in Lira on Monday.
On Sunday, May 11, the deceased also attended a political meeting in Makuutu village, Iganga District, at the invitation of RCC Sadala Wandera, who was officially declaring his intention to contest for the Bugweri County parliamentary seat.
Later that evening, over 50 RCCs from the eastern region gathered for a dinner at Sana Hotel along the Iganga–Jinja highway, dispersing around 7:30pm.
Deputy RCC Iganga, Dauda Kato, urged police to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice. “We call on security agencies to thoroughly investigate and hold those responsible for this heinous act accountable,” he said.
Residents who gathered at Iganga Hospital Mortuary expressed outrage over the treatment of Mwase’s body, questioning why a high-ranking government official had been placed on the floor without due protocol.
Nakalama Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Amidu Kawanguzi called on police to beef up night patrols along the highway to curb a surge in violent crimes.
“Security needs to be reinforced along this route. Cases of murder and robbery at night are becoming too frequent,” he warned.
By press time, Mwase’s body remained at Iganga Hospital Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.