The Masindi district health officer, Dr. Jino Abiriga, was brutally murdered over the weekend, and among the suspects held by the police, his wife is included. The incident has cast a somber mood over Masindi, leaving residents mourning the untimely demise of a well-regarded medical professional.
The Albertine region police spokesperson, Julius Allan Hakiza, disclosed that the four individuals in custody, all family members, encompass the deceased’s wife. However, their identities have been withheld to safeguard the ongoing investigations.
According to Hakiza, blood stains were discovered within the family residence, though Dr. Abiriga’s lifeless body was found dumped in a neighbor’s compound. The discovery adds a gruesome dimension to the already tragic event, as the late health officer was recovered with a stab wound in the back and a severed neck on Sunday morning.
The community of Masindi is deeply affected by the loss, with Masindi LC5 Chairman Cosmas Byaruhanga expressing sorrow over the death of Dr. Abiriga, describing him as a trademark of Masindi General Hospital. Moses Kiirya, the Masindi District speaker, shared that he had been in the company of the deceased at a wedding party just before the tragic murder unfolded.
Residents, including Bongomin Isaac, the LC3 chairman of central division, and Robert Akugizibwe, the councilor representing Western ward in Masindi Municipality, joined in eulogizing Dr. Abiriga, underscoring the impact he had on the local community.
As of press time, Dr. Abiriga’s body had been transported to Mulago National Referral Hospital for autopsy and further investigations.
