By Jamillah Kemigisa
Police in Rukungiri District have launched a manhunt for suspects involved in the brutal lynching and burning of a 27-year-old man accused of stealing a goat.
The deceased, identified as Allan Mwesigye, a resident of Kacence Cell in Kacence Parish, Nyakishenyi Sub-county, was allegedly caught in the early hours of Thursday, November 6, attempting to steal a goat belonging to Edith Barangirana, a local resident.
According to reports, after being apprehended, an enraged mob descended on Mwesigye, beating him to death before setting his body on fire. The shocking incident was later reported to Nyakishenyi Police Station, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement officers.
ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident and condemned the mob action.
“Our officers visited the scene, documented evidence, recorded witness statements, and conveyed the body to Rwakabengo Health Centre III for a postmortem examination,” Maate said.
“Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are underway to track down those responsible.”
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed debate over mob justice in the region, with authorities warning against taking the law into one’s own hands. Police have urged residents to report suspected criminal activity through lawful means rather than resorting to violence.
Rukungiri District, located in Uganda’s Kigezi sub-region, has in the past recorded sporadic cases of mob justice, often linked to theft and property disputes. While communities cite frustration over rising petty crime, security officials continue to emphasize that vigilante actions are illegal and punishable under Ugandan law.
