Butebo, (UG):- The community in Eastern Ugandfa’s Butebo District is in shock after an angry mob stormed and torched down the suspect’s home over the alleged tragic murder of a 12-year-old boy on Friday evening.
The incident which occurred at around 7 pm in Kabuyai, Bulalaka Village, Petete Sub-county, was reported to Butebo Police Station the following morning, raising concerns about safety and justice in the area.
According to police reports, Nyait Bernard, the father of the victim, Kolonel Masule, returned home at approximately 7:00 PM on January 17 to find his son missing. He inquired with his wife about Kolonel’s whereabouts, but she speculated that he might have gone to fetch water. As the hours passed without any sign of the boy, the family’s concern grew.
By 10:00 PM, the situation escalated when they realized that Kolonel’s 24-year-old uncle, Siliweno Emmanuel, was also missing. The family began searching the area but found no trace of either Kolonel or Siliweno. It was not until 5:00 AM the next morning that Bernard resumed his search and tragically discovered his son’s lifeless body in a nearby eucalyptus plantation, approximately 200 meters from their water source.
The Butebo Police Station was notified shortly after the discovery. Officers initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder, officially designated as CRB 09/2025.
“Detectives and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) were dispatched to document the scene, where they found deep cuts on Kolonel’s body, including wounds on his right ear and hand,” said the Regional Police Commander North Bukedi ACP Mwanga Kitiyo Moses
A pair of sandals identified as belonging to the missing uncle was located at the crime scene, raising suspicions about his involvement. Canine units were brought in to assist in tracking potential suspects, leading police to the uncle’s residence. However, before authorities could conduct a thorough investigation, an angry mob descended upon the house and set it ablaze, further complicating the inquiry.
The murder has sparked outrage and fear within the Kabuyai community. Local leaders and residents expressed their heartbreak over the loss of a young life, emphasizing the need for justice and safety in their neighbourhoods. “We cannot allow such violence to shatter our community. We demand that the authorities take swift action,” stated a local council leader.
As of now, police are pursuing leads to trace the missing uncle and other potential suspects. Ongoing inquiries include recovering physical evidence and conducting a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death.
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