Jinja: Shock and horror swept through the Bugembe community in Jinja city’s Northern Division as residents woke up to the gruesome murder of an unidentified individual, suspected to be a motorcycle thief. The disturbing incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday near the U-turn along the Jinja-Iganga highway, where an enraged mob lynched the suspect and set fire to their body.
According to accounts from witnesses, the suspect, believed to be a resident of Buwenge in Jinja district, was allegedly attempting to steal a motorcycle from the parking yard of a petrol station (Nile Oil). The watchman reportedly raised the alarm, and nearby bodaboda riders quickly joined in, encircling and stoning the suspect until they succumbed to their injuries.
Police officials promptly condemned the act of mob justice, emphasizing the importance of allowing the legal system to take its course. SP James Mubi of the Kiira region police urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead bring suspects to the authorities for proper legal action.
As investigations continue, law enforcement is utilizing CCTV cameras to identify individuals involved in the killing. Mubi disclosed that six people are currently on remand at Kirinya prison for their involvement in killing a man who had been accused of stealing chickens. Investigation findings suggested that the group had been fighting over a woman.
The police in Jinja are committed to eradicating criminal activities, conducting crackdown operations against murder, aggravated defilement, robbery, and other criminal gangs operating in various suburbs of the city. Notable individuals, such as Simon Olowo, a notorious ringleader of a criminal group, and impersonators like Abdallah Ssempijja Nuwagaba and Yasin Itembe, are among those who have been targeted by these efforts and are currently on remand at Kirinya prison.
