A 61-year-old former Local Council I (LC1) chairperson has died after sustaining severe burns in a suspected arson incident that destroyed his home in Kanungu District.
The deceased has been identified as Byakurama Justus, a resident of Bikomero Village, Katungu Parish, Rugyeyo Sub-county.
According to Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime, the incident occurred on the night of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, shortly after the LC1 elections.
Preliminary police findings indicate that Byakurama returned home with his family after losing the LC1 elections. At around 11:30 p.m., a fire reportedly broke out in the family’s kitchen before spreading to the main house.
Byakurama and his family members attempted to extinguish the flames but were overwhelmed as the fire rapidly engulfed the house. He sustained serious burns during the rescue efforts.
He was rushed to Kambuga Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead shortly after being admitted. The fire also destroyed household property worth millions of shillings.
Police have launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire and determine whether it was a case of arson.
SP Tumushime members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue.
