Police in Rwenzori East region have expressed concern over the growing cases of mob justice in Kasese District and urged community leaders to intervene in curbing the vice.
Rwenzori Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, revealed that in just two and a half months, police have registered four incidents where suspected offenders were killed by mobs, the latest occurring on Sunday in Bukonzo County West.
Speaking to journalists at the Regional Police Headquarters, Tumushime said the deceased, identified only as Kenny, was discovered bleeding in the early hours of Sunday morning. He succumbed to his injuries a few hours later at Bwera Government Hospital.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Kenny was attacked after allegedly attempting to disconnect a solar panel from a building in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council.
Tumushime condemned the act, cautioning the public against taking the law into their own hands. He stressed that suspects should be handed over to police for proper investigation and due process.
“Killing a suspect not only offends the law and violates human rights, but also compromises investigations aimed at establishing the truth and delivering justice,” Tumushime said.
He appealed to religious, cultural, and political leaders to take interest in addressing the underlying causes fueling mob justice in their communities.
