A soldier from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has been arrested for allegedly shooting dead five members of a family and injuring several others in Mayuge District. Herbertson Robert Birivumbuka, who is attached to the Special Forces Command (SFC) of the UPDF, is currently in police custody awaiting trial.
The victims of the tragic incident, which occurred at around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday in Nawanvubu village, Kabayingire, Buwaaya sub-county, include children aged between 6 and 16 years. They were killed alongside their father, 39-year-old Isaac Buyinza Mudhasi.
According to SFC spokesman Maj. Sam Omara, Private Birivumbuka had escaped from his place of work on June 29th and traveled to Kabayingire parish, where he allegedly committed the murders. After the shooting, Birivumbuka returned to his unit, but his absence had already been noted, leading to his immediate arrest upon return as suspicion fell on him.
Mayuge District Police Commander Agnes Aanyu identified the deceased children as 16-year-old Nicholas Musasizi, 15-year-old Elesi Kafuko, and 13-year-old Resty Kantono, who died on the spot. Six-year-old Isaac Mudhasi succumbed to his injuries the following night. Those injured and admitted to various hospitals include Mudhasi’s wife, 34-year-old Jessica Timujibwa, her sister, 30-year-old Viola Kyakuwaire, and two children, Ham Kitibwa and Maureen.
President Yoweri Museveni extended his condolences to the bereaved family and the entire community, contributing 10 million Ugandan shillings towards the burial expenses and medical costs for the injured. The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Without Portfolio, Lukiya Isanga Nakadama, who is also the Mayuge District Woman Member of Parliament, conveyed the president’s message during the funeral ceremonies held on Monday, July 7th. Nakadama personally contributed 300,000 shillings and emphasized the joint efforts of the police and army to ensure that the suspect is brought to justice.
At the time of the shooting, Mudhasi was reportedly slaughtering a chicken for his sister-in-law, Viola Kyakuwaire, who was visiting the family. Local authorities, including Buwaaya sub-county LC3 chairperson Hussein Kamaali, noted that the deceased had been involved in prolonged family conflicts, including disputes over land.
