Police in Rukiga district are investigating circumstances under which a village chairperson was killed allegedly by a bar owner.
Frank Byarugaba, the chairperson of Kagorogoro Village in Rukiga district lost his life in a feud with gamblers and was allegedly killed by Obed Ndyareeba, a bar owner at Mukatojo Trading Centre in Kagorogoro village last evening.
Christine Muhwezi, an eyewitness, told Endigyito radio that trouble started after Byarugaba found about 12 people drinking alcohol and playing cards in Ndyareeba’s bar and demanded an explanation from Ndyareeba why he hosts people mostly school going children to participate in gambling.
However, Ndyareeba and the group instead started abusing Byarugaba and in the process Ndyareeba picked a machete from the counter and chopped off Byarugaba’s head and hand, killing him on the spot before he and colleagues took off.
Michael Kwarikunda Mbareeba, Rukiga District Vice-Chairperson says following the brutal killing of the LC I chairperson, residents descended on Ndyareeba’s home and destroyed his house, banana plantation, cows in revenge to avenge Byarugaba’s death.
Kwarikunda condemned the incident saying Byarugaba was acting as a concerned leader because Ndyareeba’s bar had turned into a hub of criminals in the area.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi region Police Spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying that he is still gathering details as the hunt for the suspect is on.