Rukiga District, May 27, 2025 – A 30-year-old bricklayer, Bright Hakiri, has been found dead following a violent altercation with a colleague in Rukiga District.
The incident, which occurred in the late hours of May 25, 2025, is being treated as a case of murder by assault, according to police.
Hakiri, who hails from Rushayo Cell, Kiahaje Parish in Rubanda District, was working as a bricklayer at a construction site in the area.
Police have revealed that the fatal incident occurred after an argument broke out between Hakiri and his colleague, Nkurunungi Fortune, over their wages from a recent job.
According to police reports, the two men had been working together on a construction project for their employer, Twebaze Evalisit. On the evening of May 24, they visited a local bar in Nyakabungo Parish to drink. It was there that tensions flared over their payment, leading to a quarrel.
After the disagreement, the two men returned to their accommodation, where their dispute escalated into a physical confrontation. Witnesses report that the two fought using sticks.
The following day, Hakiri was found unconscious by their employer. Despite efforts to treat him at home, he was declared dead shortly thereafter.
Regional police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, confirmed the development, stating that a murder investigation has been launched.
“A case of murder by assault has been opened, and our officers are actively investigating the incident. Statements have been taken from witnesses, and a postmortem was carried out on the deceased,” Maate said.
Two suspects, Nkurunungi Fortune and Twinamatsiko Brian, have been arrested and are currently assisting police with their investigations.
The body of Hakiri has been handed over to his family for burial, and police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing concern over the rise in violent altercations among local workers. Police have reassured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and will ensure that justice is served.
