People hacked in Kiruhura, accused of supporting president Museveni
The residents of Ekiyenje trading centre in Katete Cell, Kenshunga Subcounty are living in fear following a brutal attack carried out by unknown gangs in the early hours of November 6. The incident has left the community traumatized with reports of injuries, theft and near-fatal encounters.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack occurred around 2:00 am when the assailants, armed with pangas, axes, hammers and knives stormed the trading centre. The attackers targeted shops and bars robbing property worth thousands of shillings and injuring several residents in the process.
Namutebi Flavia and Enock Kasoonso, victims of the attack recounted their frightening experience to Kazo FM at Kiruhura Health Centre IV, where they are receiving treatment. Flavia sustained cuts on her left cheek, which connects to her ear, a cut on her left arm and bruises on her shoulder after being slapped with a panga by the assailants. Kasoonso also suffered a cut on his left cheek.
According to Namutebi who saw the assailants and recognized them byname and face following an outcry from the neighborhood revealed that they hit her door using an axe and then descended on her inflicting several cuts on her head using a machete. They accused them of supporting President Museveni,”When will you stop supporting president Museveni? For how long will he remain in power?”revealed Namutebi.
The attackers also broke into Turyahebwa John Bosco’s bar stealing property worth millions of money and UGX1.4 million shillings cash and a smartphone. Turyahebwa narrowly escaped with his life, managing to recognize some of the assailants. He narrated that four men armed with knives and other weapons demanded money but he managed to pack away most items, leaving only his motorcycle behind.
Bagaba Alex, the Vice Chairman of Ekiyenje trading centre confirmed that at least seven suspects are currently in police custody in connection with the attack. However, he noted that some residents and suspects remain unaccounted for.
When approached for comment, Kiruhura District Police Commander SP Nkurunziza Gratiano stated that he has limited information at the moment, citing that many suspects are in detention and that investigations are ongoing. He did not provide detailed comments on the incident.
The community remains on edge, with residents calling for increased security measures to prevent such attacks in the future. Police continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the apprehension of the remaining suspects.
