Police in Rukungiri District are hunting for suspects who allegedly murdered a 28-year-old man over accusations of stealing coffee.
The deceased, identified as Muhumuza Robert, also known as Muja, was a resident of Ruyonja Cell, Nyarushanje Sub-county. He was reportedly assaulted on the night of June 2, 2025, at Ikondere Cell, Ibanda Parish, in the same sub-county.
According to ASP Maate Elly, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, the key suspects include Turyahabwe Benson, the area chairperson of Ikondere Cell, his wife Christine Turyahabwe, their employee identified only as Girigori, and other unidentified accomplices.
It is alleged that on the night of June 1, at around 10:00 pm, the deceased, who was reportedly drunk, left Nyarushanje Trading Centre in the company of one Mwesigwa Hillary. The two decided to spend the night at Hillary’s residence.
At around midnight, it is reported that Turyahabwe Benson and his group knocked on the door, accusing the pair of stealing coffee from Benson’s home. When Mwesigwa Hillary opened the door, Benson and his group allegedly tied both men with ropes and started beating them.
The assault attracted the attention of Akampa Felix, Hillary’s brother, who intervened and stopped the attack. The suspects then left the scene, while the two victims remained in the house in great pain.
It wasn’t until around 3:00 pm on June 2 that Hillary realised that his friend, Muhumuza Robert, had died. He immediately informed his brother Felix, who reported the matter to the police.
A case of murder was registered at Rubabo Police Station. According to ASP Maate, the scene of crime was visited and documented, statements were recorded from witnesses, and Hillary underwent medical examination. A postmortem was also conducted on the body of the deceased.
The suspects remain on the run, but police say efforts are underway to apprehend them and bring them to justice. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
