Violence rocked Isingiro District on Friday, leaving two people dead and several others injured after supporters of rival National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates clashed during campaign rallies.
Ngurusi Reuben, 34, a resident of Kihande Cell in Ruyanga Sub-county, died in a mob attack after angry voters lynched him in Isingiro South Constituency.
The clashes erupted when supporters of incumbent MP Alex Byarugaba Bakunda and his challenger Assensio Maali Mujuni attacked each other at Kyempisi Cell, Kyezimbire Parish in Kikagati Sub-county.
Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson Samson Kasasira confirmed Ngurusi’s death, revealing that he was a suspect in a case of arson and malicious damage to property.
“He went into hiding after the incident, but a mob found him and beat him severely,” Kasasira said.
“He was taken to hospital but later died. We had already arrested 10 suspects in the case, and he was supposed to be the 11th, but unfortunately he died.”
Ngurusi’s wife, Mackline Kyomuhendo, said assailants searched for her husband on Friday night without success but found him on Saturday morning.
“They came looking for him on Friday night but didn’t find him. On Saturday morning, they spotted him on the way and stoned him to death,” Kyomuhendo said.
“My husband has died because of violent politics. He has left behind three children, and I don’t know how I’ll take care of them.”
The second victim, Collins Arimpa, a resident of Kyehuna II Village, succumbed to injuries sustained during the same clashes.
He died on Sunday at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Ngurusi was laid to rest on Monday at his ancestral home in Kihande Village, Ruyanga Sub-county.
Police are still investigating the violence, which has sparked outrage and fear ahead of the polls.