A grieving father in Sembabule District is demanding justice for his 25-year-old son, alleging that he was brutally killed under controversial circumstances linked to a senior district official.
Benon Kamugisha, a resident of Lwebitakuli Sub-county, says his son, Moses Kamusiime, was killed at a farm belonging to Sembabule District Commercial Officer Simon Peter Ddungu.
According to Kamugisha, the incident occurred when his son went to the farm to retrieve a cow that had strayed onto the property.
A video clip circulating among residents reportedly shows Kamusiime tied with ropes while speaking to unidentified individuals.
Kamugisha claims his son was then assaulted by security guards at the farm.
“My son tried to explain himself, but instead they beat him to death,” Kamugisha said, adding that Kamusiime was his only child and sole provider.
He further alleges that the case, initially registered at Lwebitakuli Police Station, has since stalled.
“I left Ddungu in the police custody and after two days I went back and they told me that he was transferred to Sembabule police station,” Kamugisha said.
"When I went there he was still not there. I asked the OC CID, he told me that they reconciled with Ddungu and ended the case. I asked him for my reference and the statement Ddungu made while confirming that he killed my son. The OC CID refused to give them to me."
He also said there were attempts at an out-of-court settlement.
“I had debts that I got to conduct the burial ceremony of my son and that is why I accepted Ddungu’s money and police is saying that he compensated me and the case stopped there,” he added.
Speaking to the Nile Post, Mr Ddungu confirmed that Kamusiime died at his farm but denied any involvement in his killing.
“I want to state clearly that the boy was beaten at my farm after allegedly going there to steal a cow, and there are witnesses in the village who can confirm this," he said.
"However, I am being unfairly implicated simply because the incident happened on my farm. I believe there are other individuals behind what occurred. I had no involvement in the act, and I strongly reject any suggestion that I am a killer."
Mr Ddungu said information being circulated [that he killed the Kamusiime] was "inaccurate and irresponsible".
Police spokesperson for the Masaka region, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed that the case file was forwarded to the Resident State Attorney in Masaka but was returned due to insufficient evidence.
Kasirye added that Ddungu was released on police bond as investigations continue.