Police in Yumbe District have arrested a 43-year-old man in connection with the murder of a 58-year-old peasant farmer following a violent confrontation linked to a long-standing land dispute in Aria Sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Noah Kasuku, a resident of Anguyira Village, Konga Parish, Aria Sub-county. The suspect, Taban Mandela Mashil, a resident of Kena Village, Kerila Parish in Apo Sub-county, is reportedly a deserter from the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF).
According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at around 8:00 a.m.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a schoolgirl, Tracy Asandi, witnessed a physical altercation between the suspect and the deceased while on her way to school. She quickly alerted the Vice LC1 Chairperson of Anguyira Village, Ismail Rashid Ramathan, who rushed to the scene and found Kasuku lying unconscious and unable to speak.
The victim was transported by motorcycle to Yumbe Health Centre IV by a Good Samaritan, Bob Fataka, but was pronounced dead on arrival. The matter was later reported to Yumbe Police Station.
Police officers tracked down and arrested the suspect, who is currently in custody as investigations continue. The body was transferred to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Confirming the incident, Superintendent of Police Asea Collins, the Police Public Relations Officer for the North West Nile Region, said the killing stemmed from a protracted land dispute, allegedly worsened by drug abuse.
“The suspect attacked the deceased using a farming hoe, inflicting severe head injuries that later led to his death. A blunt object believed to be a panga was also recovered from the scene,” SP Collins stated.
He added that the suspect is known for drug abuse and had previously deserted the army.
“This suspect is a UPDF deserter and is reportedly addicted to drugs. Such behavior significantly contributes to violent crime within our communities,” he said.
SP Collins revealed that Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) processed and documented the scene, and statements have been recorded from key witnesses.
“The suspect remains in custody and will be charged with murder upon completion of investigations. All necessary procedures, including the post-mortem examination, are underway,” he added.
He further appealed to community leaders and families to take proactive measures in addressing drug abuse.
“We urge community leaders to identify individuals struggling with drug addiction and refer them to rehabilitation centres before they become a danger to themselves and others. Many of these violent crimes are preventable,” SP Collins emphasized.
Police say investigations are ongoing and more details will be communicated as they become available.
