Rubirizi, Uganda: Police in Rubirizi District have arrested a woman and launched investigations into a suspected murder following a domestic dispute that escalated into mob assault, leaving a 53-year-old man dead.
The deceased has been identified as Mwebe James, a resident of Kirugu Village in Kichwamba Sub-county, southwest Uganda’s Rubirizi District.
According to Greater Bushenyi Regional Police Spokesperson SP Apollo Tayebwa, the incident stemmed from a domestic altercation between Mwebe and his wife, Namusoke Stella, on April 12, 2026. “During the altercation, members of the community reportedly intervened and assaulted the victim,” Tayebwa said in a statement.
The victim was taken to Kyenzaza Health Centre III the following day for medical attention, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Officers later visited and examined the scene, recorded witness statements, and conveyed the body to Rugazi Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
Tayebwa said the deceased’s wife, identified as a key suspect, is currently in police custody, while authorities have also launched a manhunt for other individuals believed to have participated in the assault as investigations continue.
He strongly condemned both domestic violence and mob justice, warning the public against taking the law into their own hands. “We urge members of the public to always resolve disputes through lawful means and report incidents to police,” Tayebwa emphasised.
The Rubirizi incident adds to growing concerns over domestic-related violence and mob justice across communities, often resulting in preventable deaths.
According to the Police Annual Crime Report 2025, mob justice and assault cases remain a significant contributor to violent crime in Uganda, with many incidents linked to unresolved domestic disputes and community retaliation.
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