Police in Kitagwenda District, under the Uganda Police Force Uganda Police Force, have launched investigations into the killing of an 18-year-old Senior Four student of Kitagwenda High School whose death triggered violent unrest and destruction of property by fellow students.
The deceased, identified as Onesmus Alinda, a student of Kitagwenda High School, reportedly disappeared from school on Saturday night after allegedly escaping from the school premises.
His body was later discovered in a nearby sugarcane plantation bearing multiple cut wounds.
Emotions escalated rapidly after the discovery of the body, leading to widespread destruction of property in the area.
Jolly Kebirungi, a resident, said students became overwhelmed with anger after learning about the death of their colleague.
“Students became emotional after learning about the death of their colleague. Some of them moved into nearby gardens and destroyed banana and coffee plantations,” Kebirungi said.
Another resident, Scovia Kembabazi, said the situation worsened when parts of the community came under attack.
“Two houses were reportedly set on fire near the area where the body was found as angry students reacted to the incident,” Kembabazi said.
Efforts by reporters to obtain comment from the school administration were unsuccessful after Head Teacher Simon Ahimbisibwe declined to speak on the matter.
Kitagwenda District Police Commander SP Joshua Akankunda confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing, with two suspects already in custody.
“We have arrested two suspects in connection with the incident, and they are currently detained at Kitagwenda Central Police Station as investigations continue,” SP Akankunda said.
The body of the deceased was taken to Ntara Health Centre IV for a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
Authorities have urged students and members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
