Police in Kikuube District are actively searching for two individuals accused of orchestrating an incident of mob justice. The wanted suspects are Phillip Kakombabitooke from Kyamugoba village and Charles Irumba from Kisembya village.
The incident took place in Kyangwali sub-county, where a mob, allegedly mobilized by Kakombabitooke and Irumba, lynched 25-year-old Julius Kugonza. The victim, a resident of Kyamugoba LCI in Bubogo parish, was accused of stealing maize. The mob reportedly beat Kugonza to death and left his body by the roadside.
Albertine region police spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, confirmed that residents identified Kakombabitooke and Irumba as the ringleaders who led the brutal killing. The incident occurred on Thursday, and the authorities are actively pursuing the suspects.
This recent case follows a similar incident in March, where the LCI Chairperson of Muhwiju village, James Muhanuzi, was arrested for alleged involvement in mob justice. Muhanuzi’s arrest was linked to the death of 31-year-old Joel Tugume, who was caught pick-pocketing mourners at a burial ceremony in Hoima West Division.
According to the 2018 Uganda Human Rights Commission report, mob justice is influenced by various factors. These include delayed police investigations, sluggish prosecutions, especially in cases involving land disputes, high youth unemployment leading to idleness, and perceived weaknesses in laws allowing suspects to be granted bond or bail.
