Police in Rukungiri are investigating the deaths of two individuals who allegedly engaged in a fatal altercation, resulting in one being fatally beaten and the other lynched by a mob.
The Kigezi police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, identified the deceased individuals as Julius Beinomugisha Kato, aged 40, and Nelson Niwatuha, also known as Ndyagabondo, aged 25. Both were casual laborers and residents of Muyanje Cell, Bwambara Parish/Sub-county in Rukungiri district.
The incident took place in Muyanje Cell Omukayembe Trading Center where Nelson Niwatuha had a contract to dig a garden. He then enlisted the help of Julius Beinomugisha Kato to assist him in completing the work.
In the morning hours of the following day, they commenced digging while consuming alcohol. Even after completing the work, they continued drinking until evening, when Julius demanded payment for the work done.
Nelson told him, “Your pay is the money we have been drinking,” which provoked Julius, leading to a physical altercation. Shortly after, Julius was punched, fell down, and died instantly.
Out of anger, local residents attacked Nelson seeking revenge before he was rescued and taken to Bwambara Health Centre III, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Maate added that the police conducted postmortem examinations on both bodies and obtained statements from relevant witnesses.
The case of double murder has been registered at Rukungiri Central Police Station under reference number CRB 566/2024 to aid in investigations.
