By Weswa Ronnie
BUTALEJA
A gruesome incident of mob justice occurred on August 5, 2025, in Butaleja District, where a male adult suspect was lynched to death on suspicion of stealing a cow.
The incident happened in Mirembe Village, Kachongha Parish, Naweyo Sub-county at Butaleja district.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspect and others allegedly stole a black and white cow belonging to Mutiwa Iman, a 63-year-old resident of Kato Village.
A passerby raised an alarm when he saw the suspects slaughtering and skinning the cow along Malukhu-Guli Road. The residents responded to the alarm, and in the ensuing chaos, one of the suspects was caught and lynched to death. The motorcycle used by the suspects, a red Bajaji Boxer with registration number UMA 895BB, was also burned.
According to Moses Mugwe the Bukedi South region police spokesperson, police have condemned the act of mob justice, stating that it jeopardizes justice.
He says a team of investigators, led by the D/CID/O Butaleja, visited the crime scene, recorded statements from witnesses, and collected exhibits, including the motorcycle. The body of the deceased, yet to be identified, was taken to Mbale City Mortuary pending postmortem.
The police are still investigating the incident, and no arrest has been made yet. The investigation is ongoing, and the police will provide updates on the progress.
The police have reiterated their condemnation of mob justice, emphasizing that it undermines the rule of law and the justice system. The incident highlights the need for the community to work with law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents and ensure that justice is served through the proper channels.
