Police probe triple tragedy in Kigezi sub-region

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Police in the Kigezi sub-region are investigating a series of tragic incidents, including a serious road crash in Kabale, a suspected drowning in Kisoro, and a fatal land-related killing that has led to the arrest of five suspects.

According to ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, the road crash occurred on April 18, 2025, at around 3:00pm at Nyakijumba along the Kabale–Mbarara highway.

A Toyota Carib, registration number UEA 886M, reportedly lost control and veered off the road, knocking a pedestrian before landing in a trench.

The pedestrian, identified as Florence Musimenta, 39, a resident of Kanyakiriro in Nyabikoni, Kabale Municipality, sustained serious injuries.

The vehicle was being driven by Apollo Muhumuza, 48, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time. His wife, identified only as Tumuhaise, and their children—Mercy Ahumuza (16), Johnathan Amutuhire (12), and Shina Ayebare (10)—were also injured.

“All victims were rushed to Kabale Hospital for treatment, and the vehicle is currently parked at Kabale Central Police Station pending mechanical inspection,” Maate said.

Meanwhile, in Kisoro district, police have launched investigations into the suspicious death of Paul Munyambabazi, 24, a hawker from Kampala whose body was discovered floating in Lake Mutanda on April 18, 2025.

Maate said Munyambabazi had gone missing on April 17, 2025, after reportedly going out for drinks with two friends—Wilson Nkurunziza and Nelson Nizeyimana—following a funeral gathering at the home of one Elias Muvunandinda.

“According to postmortem results, Munyambabazi may have been strangled before being dumped in the lake,” Maate revealed. “We have arrested his two colleagues to assist with investigations.”

In a separate case in Kabale, police have made progress in the investigation into the death of Feredian Ndyebwooha, a resident of Bugarama village in Buhara subcounty, who was murdered on the night of April 12, 2025.

Maate confirmed that five suspects have since been arrested. They include Brian Byaruhanga (31), Joseph Tukwasibwe (25), Alex Aturiheihi (19), Ronald Tubihemukama (19), and Dismus Niwagaba—all residents of Bugarama.

“The suspects reportedly connived to kill the deceased over longstanding land conflicts,” Maate said. “We caution the public against resorting to violence and urge them to seek peaceful solutions through relevant authorities.”

Upon completion of investigations, the suspects will be arraigned in court to face appropriate charges.