KWANIA DISTRICT, Uganda – Two men, aged 33 and 50, were beaten to death by a mob in Kwania District on allegations of stealing goats, chickens, a bicycle, and a half sack of rice, police have confirmed.
One of the victims died instantly at the scene of the attack, while the other succumbed to injuries while being rushed for medical treatment. Their bodies have since been transferred to Aduku Health Centre IV, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted.
The North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, identified the deceased only as male adults aged 33 and 50. According to preliminary police reports, the two were accused by local residents of stealing three goats belonging to one villager, as well as additional property—including chickens, a bicycle, and half a sack of rice—from another victim.
An angry crowd reportedly cornered the suspects and launched a violent assault. By the time authorities were notified, both men had suffered fatal injuries.
As of the time of reporting, no arrests have been made. Police have since opened a formal inquiry into the murder-by-mob-action case. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the lynching.
In response to the incident, Okema strongly condemned the act of mob justice and urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“Suspects should be handed over to police for investigation and prosecution,” Okema said. He reminded the public that vigilantism undermines the rule of law and often results in wrongful deaths.
The double killing adds to a worrying pattern of mob violence in parts of Uganda, where community members sometimes bypass legal processes in favour of instant retaliation. While theft remains a crime under Ugandan law, police continue to stress that only the courts can determine guilt and mete out punishment.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information about the attack to come forward as investigations continue.
