Police in Rubanda District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the lynching of a 30-year-old man, Bruno Tumukunde, who was allegedly caught stealing Irish potatoes.
The incident reportedly occurred after Tumukunde and another individual, Rogers Katusiime, both residents of Matakara village in Ikamiro parish, Mukon Sub-county, Rubanda district, allegedly broke into the store of Adoniya Zikereta. They are accused of stealing eight bags of Irish potatoes valued at Ugx 1.8 million.
The case of store breaking and theft was reported at Muko Police Station. The Officer in Charge, Vincent Mahiirane, received a call from Matakara village informing him that two suspects had been apprehended and were being severely beaten by a mob.
Police officers immediately responded to the scene and rescued the two men. They were then taken to Muko Butare Health Center III for treatment.
However, the attending nurse reportedly hesitated to admit them due to concerns that local residents, who allegedly knew them as habitual criminals, might follow them to the health center and continue the attack.
Kigezi Region Police Spokesman Elly Maate confirmed the incident. He stated that while police were arranging to transfer the injured men to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, they discovered that Bruno Tumukunde had died.
Maate added that two case files have been registered: one for store breaking and theft of Irish potatoes, and another for murder by mob. Inquiries into both cases are ongoing.
Police recovered exhibits, and Tumukunde’s body was transported to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination. The second suspect, Rogers Katusiime, was released on police bond to his mother for medical attention.
