Police in Rukungiri District are investigating the murder of an 18-year-old teenager who was killed following a bar fight at Kihogo Trading Centre in Nyarwanya Cell, Burora Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Denis Mucunguzi, a resident of the same area. The incident occurred on Sunday night at around 10:00 PM, according to police reports.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mucunguzi was at Vegas Bar, owned by an individual identified only as Naboth, in the company of several patrons including a man named Victor, a resident of Ruhuga Cell in Rugarama, Ntungamo District.
While at the bar, Victor accused Mucunguzi of stealing a phone belonging to his cousin, Gloria Ainembabazi, who was also present.
A fight broke out between the two men, prompting the bar owner to eject them from the premises. According to eyewitnesses, Mucunguzi attempted to flee but was followed by Victor into a corridor.
Moments later, Victor returned in haste and told Gloria to leave immediately. She reportedly refused, saying she had not yet recovered her phone.
Victor then left the bar on a motorcycle, accompanied by another woman identified as Catherine. Suspicious patrons and staff searched the area and later discovered Mucunguzi’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood in the corridor.
The deceased’s brother, Sam Tumwesigye, was informed and subsequently notified the Kihogo Trading Centre chairperson, who alerted the police.
Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson Elly Maate confirmed the incident, stating that a case of murder has been registered at Rubabo Police Station.
Maate said that a team of homicide detectives and a scene of crime officer visited the area, recorded witness statements, and transported the body to Rwakabengo Health Centre III for a postmortem examination.
Maate also revealed that residents apprehended Gloria Ainembabazi, who is currently in police custody to assist with the ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, Victor and other suspects remain at large.
