Police in Rukungiri District are investigating a tragic incident in which a husband and wife were burnt to death in their home under suspicious circumstances.
The deceased have been identified as Byamukama Isaac, 30, a Boda Boda rider, and his wife Akatuhurira Christine, 27. The couple were residents of Ncerere Village, Kabinga Parish in Buhunga Sub County.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Saturday at around 11:00 AM. The local area chairperson, Kaganga Lawrence, received a phone call from a resident, identified as Kariisa, who reported seeing smoke coming from the couple’s house, which appeared to be locked from the front.
Efforts to reach the occupants by phone were unsuccessful as both their mobile phones were switched off. The chairperson rushed to the scene and confirmed the house was on fire. An alarm was raised, and residents responded quickly. They gained access to the compound through a fence made of offcuts and discovered that while the back door was open, the bedroom door was locked from the outside.
The rescuers forcefully broke into the bedroom but were devastated to find both Isaac and Christine already dead, their bodies badly burnt. All property in the bedroom had also been reduced to ashes.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the incident was reported immediately. Police visited and examined the scene, documented evidence, and recorded statements from witnesses. The bodies were retrieved and taken to Rwakabengo Health Centre III for a postmortem examination.
Maate condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric and malicious criminality.” He emphasized the urgency of identifying and apprehending those responsible.
“This is a barbaric act of malicious criminality. We urge anyone with information to come forward so that the suspects involved can be brought to justice,” Maate said.
He said that investigations are ongoing to have the culprits arrested and charged accordingly.
CUE IN MAATE…..ON THE MATTER…….RR/ENG//
