Police in Mukono District have arrested a poultry farmer accused of brutally killing and burning a suspected chicken thief in Ntulumuko Village, Nakisunga Sub-county.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Yiga, a member of the Parish Development Model (PDM) committee in the area, allegedly caught an unidentified man inside his poultry farm at night attempting to steal chickens.
According to residents, Yiga is said to have tied the suspect’s hands using ropes allegedly linked to the theft before attacking him with a panga. He is also accused of pouring a flammable substance on the victim and setting him on fire.
The incident has left the community in shock and fear, with residents describing it as one of the most disturbing cases of mob-like justice in the area in recent times.
Mukono District Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of the killing and deployed officers, including sniffer dogs. The suspect was reportedly found at the scene and immediately arrested.
Police said bloodstains were found inside the chicken house, while the victim’s body was still burning when officers arrived. The body was later transported to Mulago Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.
Investigators also recovered a blood-stained panga, pieces of firewood and other items believed to have been used in the attack. Chickens allegedly stolen by the deceased were recovered and taken to Mukono Police Station as exhibits.
The incident has sparked concern among residents over rising cases of livestock theft, particularly chickens and goats, which they say has become increasingly common in the area.
“We are asking police to increase patrols before more residents resort to taking the law into their own hands,” a resident said.
Ntulumuko Village Chairperson Robinson Ndimukulaga confirmed the incident and acknowledged an increase in livestock theft cases in recent months.
Local leaders, including Nakisunga Sub-county councillor John Mpanga, condemned both the theft and the violent response.
“While we understand the frustration caused by persistent theft, we cannot accept people taking the law into their own hands. This is murder and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Mpanga said.
Police spokesperson Recheal Kawala confirmed the arrest and said investigations are ongoing.
“We are treating this as a murder case. Our officers are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing. We urge the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course,” she said.
