Police in Rwenzori East Region are investigating a suspected murder after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered dumped in a swamp in Hiima Division, Kasese District.
The deceased has been identified as Edgar Baluku, a resident of Gatyanga II Village, Gatyanga Parish, Rwimi West Ward in Rwimi Town Council, Bunyangabu District.
According to police, Baluku disappeared from his home about three weeks ago and had reportedly been staying in Kasese Town.
His whereabouts remained unknown until Friday morning when relatives received information that he had been killed and his body dumped in Nkoko Swamp in Hiima Parish, Kitswamba Sub-county.
Confirming the incident, Rwenzori East Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate said police were alerted after the chairperson of Nkoko Village, Joseph Kato, reported the discovery to Hiima Police Station.
“The territorial police in Hiima Division, Kasese District, are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a 25-year-old Edgar Baluku, a resident of Gatyanga II Village in Bunyangabu District, whose lifeless body was today found dumped at Nkoko Swamp in Hiima Parish, Kitswamba Sub-county, Kasese District,” Maate said.
He explained that preliminary investigations indicate the deceased had left home three weeks ago and was believed to have been living in Kasese Town before his death.
“It is alleged that the deceased disappeared from home three weeks back to Kasese Town where he has been staying. This morning, relatives got information that he had been killed and the body dumped in Nkoko Swamp,” he added.
Police visited the scene, documented evidence and retrieved the body, which has been taken for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.
“The scene was visited, processed and documented, and the body was retrieved pending postmortem,” Maate noted.
He said detectives have launched inquiries aimed at establishing the circumstances under which Baluku was killed and identifying those responsible.
“Inquiries are at hand and efforts are being made to have those involved known so that they are apprehended and answer charges accordingly,” he said.
Police have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in tracking down the suspects.
“Anyone with information that can lead us to those involved should volunteer it so that they are brought to book and answer charges accordingly,” Maate urged.
The motive behind the killing remains unknown as investigations continue.
