Summary:
- He told residents that there is no evidence that can prove someone is under a demonic attack warned that under the Constitution of Uganda, mob justice against any individual is illegal.
RUBANDA: The Rubanda District Police Commander (DPC), Abel Barugahare, has cautioned residents against believing in witchcraft, warning that such beliefs can lead to dangerous behaviors like mob justice.
He emphasized that taking the law into their own hands is unconstitutional and urged the community to rely on legal systems to resolve disputes.
Barugahare made these remarks during a security meeting with residents of Kitahurira Cell, Kashaasha Parish, Ikumba Sub-county in Rubanda District. The meeting was attended by several key security officials, including Byaruhanga Henry, the Officer-in-Charge of Ikumba Police Station, James Kakuru, the Community Liaison Officer for Rubanda District and Frank Arineitwe from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), among others.
Barugahare’s comments come after residents from Karondo and Kitahurira villages accused Charles Muhangi of being behind the sudden death of his son, Tukwasibwe Advan, also known as Ivan. Ivan passed away on January 1st, 2025, with some community members alleging that his death was the result of a “demonic attack” allegedly orchestrated by Muhangi.
The DPC warned residents against making such baseless accusations without evidence and stressed the importance of thorough police investigations.
He told residents that there is no evidence that can prove someone is under a demonic attack warned that under the Constitution of Uganda, mob justice against any individual is illegal.
He urged them to report any disputes to the police so that we can handle them lawfully.
CUE IN DPC Barugahare…..on Witchcraft…..RR//
The LC III Chairman of Ikumba Sub-county, Wensi Bazirake, also addressed the gathering, advising residents not to act on unproven allegations. He emphasized the importance of letting the police handle such matters professionally.
Bazirake also raised concerns about the growing issue of alcohol abuse in the area, linking it to low productivity and reluctance among residents to engage in meaningful work. He encouraged the community to take advantage of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to improve their livelihoods.
CUE IN Wensi Bazirake…..on Alcohol Consumption…RR//
Kitahurira LC1 Chairperson, Mbabazi Medard, highlighted another pressing issue—the increasing number of boys dropping out of school to seek jobs in lumbering activities, particularly in Mubende and other parts of the country.
He blamed this trend on the government’s focus on girl-child education, which he argued has left some boys from disadvantaged families without sufficient support to stay in school.
CUE IN Mbabazi…..on Boy-Child Education…….RR//
