Three arrested in Mubende over mob justice incident that left one dead and vehicle torched

Authorities in Mubende District have arrested three suspects following a tragic incident of mob justice that resulted in the death of a man and the burning of a vehicle in Kayaana Village, Madudu Sub-county.

The victim, known only by the nickname "Mider," a 29-year-old truck driver, was killed by a mob that believed he and his vehicle were involved in cattle theft.

The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. when residents, alarmed by a commotion in the village center, discovered a Canter truck with registration number UBB 330Q engulfed in flames.

Witnesses speculated that the mob may have acted out of frustration due to a recent spate of cattle thefts in the area.

"Many people have lost their animals, mostly cows, and this might be why they thought the car had come to take their animals," said a local resident.

John Kimuri, the village chairperson, expressed concern over the rising incidents of theft in the area, which he believes fueled the mob’s actions.

"Our area has many thieves, which might be why they suspected these people and ended up setting the car on fire," Kimuri said.

He condemned the mob justice, urging residents to respect the law and avoid taking matters into their own hands.

Edward Nsiimbe, a colleague of the deceased, recounted the events leading up to the attack. He explained that they had traveled to Kayaana to load banana leaves for transport to markets in Kampala.

Upon arrival, their colleagues had already checked into a lodge, but the driver, fearing theft of spare parts, opted to stay with the vehicle.

"Our colleague tried to explain to them, but they refused to listen. We also tried to raise an alarm for help, but it was all in vain," Nsiimbe lamented.

James Ssembazzi, a trader who frequently worked with the driver, expressed shock over the incident.

He noted that they had worked together for eight years, transporting banana leaves to various markets in Kampala.

"Despite working with him for eight years, I don’t know his real name because we all call him Mider," Ssembazzi admitted.

Wamala Region Police Spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed the arrests and condemned the mob’s actions.

"Our team arrived at the crime scene and found the body of the deceased burnt and lying in front of his car, which was also burnt. We have currently arrested three people in connection with the incident as we continue investigating the matter," Kawala said.

She urged residents to follow the law, noting that mob justice often results in the loss of innocent lives.

The body of the deceased has been taken to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for further examination.