UGANDA: Five arrested over murder

By  FRANCIS MUGERWA

Police in Hoima District are holding five men suspected to have participated in two separate murders.

Among those being held is a security guard accused of shooting dead a man, only identified as Mugisa, at a bar last Friday, at about 8pm.

The midwestern regional police spokesperson, Ms Lydia Tumushabe, said a fight broke out in bar, which prompted the management to call in their security guard, who was reportedly instead assaulted in the fracas.

Ms Tumushabe said investigations had revealed that the guard retaliated by shooting Mugisa, whom he suspected to have slapped him. The police, however, arrived in time to disarm him.

“He is under our custody and will be charged with murder,” Mr Tumushabe said. 

Mugisa, who was bleeding profusely, died shortly after being admitted to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.

Meanwhile, police are also holding two suspects over the murder of Herbert Tusingwire, 58, of Nyamigisa Village. Police said the assailants stole three goats and chicken from the victim before hacking him to death.

Ms Tumushabe said investigations had revealed that the deceased had identified the assailants and attempted to plead with them not to steal his property but they instead killed him in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence.

“They will be charged with murder and theft as soon as investigations are complete,” Ms Tumushabe said. Security agencies are concerned about the increasing cases of misuse of fire arms in public places.

Two security officials are also being held at Hoima Police Station after they allegedly participated in a night patrol that left one person nursing gunshot wounds in Kiryateete Suburb last week.

Mr Geoffrey Opocha was shot in the hand and taken to hospital but was discharged after undergoing an operation.

The district police commander, Mr Augustine Kasangaki, declined to reveal the identities of the security officials and the charges they are likely to face on grounds that it could jeopardise investigations.

Source: Daily Monitor (15/01/2013): http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Five-arrested-over-murder/-/688334/1665714/-/15tn8dc/-/index.html