Bulambuli, Uganda: Police in Bulambuli District have arrested a 20-year-old barber for allegedly stabbing his friend to death during a funeral gathering in Bulegeni Town Council.
The suspect has been identified as Kutosi Emmanuel, also known as Mafabi, a resident of Masaba Cell in Bulegeni Town Council. The deceased is Mwanga Emmanuel, 25, a peasant from Chesumu Central Village in Kaserem Sub-county, Kapchorwa District.
Elgon Region Police Spokesperson SP Rogers Taitika confirmed the arrest and said the suspect is currently being held at Bulambuli Central Police Station as investigations continue.
“Bulambuli Police is holding one Kutosi Emmanuel, 20 years, on allegations of stabbing his friend, one Mwanga Emmanuel, 25 years, to death using a sharp knife,” SP Taitika said in a statement.
The incident occurred at around 10:00pm on May 29, 2026, in Kirise Cell, Bulegeni Town Council, where the deceased had gone to attend the funeral of his late uncle, Mangusho Robert.
According to preliminary police findings, a quarrel broke out at about 2:00am on May 30 between the suspect and another man identified only as Meddy.
Police say the disagreement escalated into a physical fight, prompting Mwanga to intervene in an attempt to separate the two men.
“On May 30, 2026, at around 0200hrs, a quarrel broke out between Meddy and Kutosi Emmanuel alias Mafabi that resulted into a fight. Mwanga Emma went to separate them and was allegedly stabbed by Kutosi Emmanuel alias Mafabi using a knife,” Taitika stated.
The victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Muyembe Hospital before being referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for specialised treatment. He, however, succumbed to his injuries on June 1, 2026.
A postmortem examination was conducted at Mbale City Mortuary before the body was handed over to relatives for burial.
Police detectives are now searching for Meddy and the suspect’s girlfriend, who are expected to record statements as part of the ongoing investigations.
Authorities are also working to recover the knife allegedly used in the fatal attack.
“Bulambuli detectives are tracing the girlfriend for a statement, tracing Meddy for a statement, and working on the recovery of the knife used to stab the deceased,” SP Taitika added.
The incident adds to concerns over violent assaults and homicides arising from interpersonal disputes in communities across Uganda.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, assault and homicide cases continued to feature prominently among violent crimes reported nationwide, with police repeatedly attributing many incidents to unresolved disputes, alcohol abuse, and the use of dangerous weapons during conflicts.
Police have urged members of the public to resolve disagreements peacefully and avoid carrying weapons to social events and public gatherings.
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