Kibuku, Uganda: The Territorial Police in eastern Uganda’s Kibuku District are holding in custody eight suspects arrested in connection with the brutal assault of 81-year-old farmer, Mubbale William, during a violent land dispute that left him with deep machete wounds.
The attack happened on September 22, 2025, at around 5:00 PM in Kapolino village, Nabiswa Sub-County, when Mubbale, who is currently receiving treatment at Kibuku Health Centre IV, was attacked by three men armed with pangas as he went about grazing his livestock.
“They just came at me, beating me and cutting my hand,” Mubbale said from his hospital bed, adding that his son, Laaki Asuman, also known as Tadeo, who rushed to his aid, was also assaulted, sustaining fresh wounds on his leg.
The assault, according to preliminary findings, is connected to a long-running land conflict that has been the subject of multiple court hearings.
In 2020, the Kibuku Magistrate’s Court ruled against Mubbale, but he successfully appealed. Despite the ruling in his favor, tensions with his rivals have persisted.
Mubbale claims the attackers were sent by individuals connected to the earlier dispute. His son, Byakatonda Simon Peter, has also suffered reprisals, with his home destroyed and livestock killed in previous confrontations.
During the preliminary investigations at the crime scene, police recovered sticks, iron bars, pangas, bows and arrows, and a UPDF-branded waist bag. Socos (scene of crime officers) revealed that by the time of their arrest, the suspects had begun uprooting cassava plants, allegedly intending to sell them.
The eight suspects arrested in connection with the assault include: Muchunguzi Haasan, Taryatemba Rogers, Tumwebaze Nathan, Waiswa Ashiraf, Maka Mugulusi, Ronald, Kikoba Rogers, and Muguli Fazal.
ASP Kyempasa Wilfred, the Bukedi North Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the case is registered under CRB 256/2025 at Kibuku Police Station. He identified the suspects as having acted under the command of Mugulusi Peter, a key figure in the wrangles.
Leaders Condemn Violence
District Internal Security Officer (DISO) Baguma Raymond condemned the incident and urged residents to embrace peace. Deputy RDC Basalilwa John also cautioned locals against lawlessness, saying: “In a civilized community, people do not assault others but instead settle matters harmoniously.”
Kibuku Police Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Mugoda reminded residents that harvesting crops they did not plant and using machetes to enforce land claims is unlawful.
The assault has triggered anger among residents who fear land wrangles could escalate further. “This is not just about Mubbale; it’s about all of us who live here. We need peace, not violence,” one resident said.
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