Police in Kagadi District are investigating the mob killing of two men suspected of theft who were beaten to death by residents in an early morning attack.
The victims, identified as David Kato, 26, and Benon Tumusiime, 28, were killed on March 7, 2026 at around 4 a.m. at Twerire Trading Centre in Galiboleka Sub-county.
According to the Albertine Region Police spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, the two men were attacked by residents after they were allegedly caught breaking into a drug shop.
Police from Kagadi responded to the incident shortly after it was reported, visited the scene, documented the circumstances surrounding the deaths and conducted postmortem examinations before handing the bodies over to the families for burial.
Hakiza condemned the mob action and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
He urged members of the public to report suspected criminals to the police so they can be arrested and prosecuted through the legal system rather than being subjected to mob justice.
Residents said the suspects were attacked after they were found breaking into the drug shop at Twerire Trading Centre in Bugarama Parish, Garibileke Sub-county.
The two men were later buried on Sunday. David Kato was laid to rest at his parents’ home in Twerire Village, while Benon Tumusiime was buried at his relatives’ home in Mukasojo Village.
Fred Katarikuka, the chairperson of Bugarama A, said Benon had been living in Kagadi Town Council after being chased away from his home area and had long been suspected by residents of involvement in theft.
A relative of the deceased, Katusabe Adela, said Benon reportedly started stealing at a young age after relocating from Kabuga in Muhooro Sub-county, pointing to deeper social challenges that may have contributed to his actions.
Vito Turyakira, the GISO of Garibileke Sub-county, said he alerted police after learning that residents had already attacked the suspects.
He condemned the killing and warned that those involved in the mob action could face arrest as investigations into the incident continue.