Kamuli, Uganda: Police in Kamuli District have launched investigations after the body of an unidentified man, believed to be about 25 years old, was found dumped along a road in Bulange Central Zone, Namwendwa Sub-county, with two slaughtered goats suspected to have been stolen during a night raid.
The body was discovered on Wednesday morning in a valley separating Bulange and Makoka villages.
Residents found the deceased lying beside a 100-kilogram sack containing the carcasses of two slaughtered goats, prompting suspicion that he may have been among a group of suspected livestock thieves who raided Makoka Village the previous night.
According to local residents, the suspected gang allegedly stole four goats during the raid.
Two of the animals reportedly belonged to Mr. Nsemba David Balinaine, the LC I Chairperson of Makoka-Bukapiso, while the other two were stolen from Mr. Bamukamwire Joshua of Butamirike Zone, both in Makoka Parish.
The LC I Chairperson of Bulange Central Zone, Mr. Nagona Charles, confirmed the incident, saying residents immediately alerted local authorities after discovering the body.
Local leaders have since condemned suspected acts of mob justice while urging residents to allow police to handle criminal suspects through the legal process.
The Youth Chairperson of Namwendwa Sub-county, Mr. Nabugo Salim, warned residents against taking the law into their own hands and appealed to young people to engage in lawful income-generating activities instead of crime.
“We condemn mob justice. I urge my fellow youths to look for productive work instead of stealing. Crime will only end your life prematurely,” Nabugo said.
The LC III Chairperson of Namwendwa Sub-county, Mr. Mugweri Pius, also condemned mob justice, saying communities should always report suspected criminals to police.
“Let us avoid mob justice. Once you suspect someone, report to police and let the law take its course. Taking the law into your hands creates more problems,” Mugweri said.
By press time, police had retrieved the body and transported it to Kamuli General Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Investigators are working to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death, including whether he was killed elsewhere before his body was dumped at the scene.
Police had not issued an official statement on the incident by press time, and investigations remain ongoing.
The latest incident comes amid growing concern over cases of mob justice in several parts of the country, with security agencies repeatedly warning the public that taking the law into their own hands is a criminal offence and undermines the justice system.
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