Yumbe, Uganda: Police in the North West Nile region have arrested a UPDF deserter in connection with the murder of a 58-year-old peasant farmer in what authorities describe as a long-standing land dispute.
The suspect has been identified as Taban Mandela Mashil, 43, a resident of Kena Village, Kerila Parish, Apo Sub-county in Yumbe District.
The deceased, Kasuku Noah, a peasant farmer and resident of Anguyira Village, Konga Parish, Aria Sub-county, was allegedly attacked on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m.
According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Collins Asea, a schoolgirl, Asandi Tracy, witnessed a fight between the suspect and the victim while heading to school at around 9:20 a.m. She alerted Ismail Rashid Ramathan, the Vice LC1 Chairperson of Anguyira Village.
Upon arrival at the scene, the local leader reportedly found Kasuku lying unconscious and unable to speak. He was rushed on a motorcycle to Yumbe Health Centre IV but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The matter was later reported to Yumbe Police Station, triggering investigations.
Police officers traced and arrested the suspect, who is currently in custody as investigations continue.
The victim’s body was transferred to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Preliminary findings indicate that the victim sustained severe head injuries after being attacked with a hoe. A blunt object, suspected to be a panga, was recovered from the scene.
SP Asea revealed that the suspect is a deserter from the Uganda People’s Defence Force and is reportedly struggling with drug abuse.
Police believe the killing stemmed from a long-standing land dispute between the two men.
Authorities have urged community leaders to identify and refer individuals battling drug abuse to rehabilitation centres in order to prevent similar incidents.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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