Residents of Buhangura Village in Mabungo Parish, Nyarusiza Sub-county, Kisoro District, were left shocked on Wednesday after a man allegedly prevented the burial of his toddler, accusing relatives of causing the child’s death.
The incident involves Ivan Kwiringira, son of George Uwihoreye, whose toddler died on Monday.
Instead of proceeding with the burial, Kwiringira reportedly chased away mourners and family members, remaining alone with the corpse.
According to reports, the situation escalated from a long-standing land dispute between Kwiringira and his father.
The disagreement intensified after Uwihoreye reported his son to police, prompting Kwiringira to flee to Kampala. He returned a week later upon learning of his child’s death.
Mourners had gathered at Uwihoreye’s home to pay their respects when the 30-year-old allegedly drove them away using pangas, sticks, and stones.
‘My son threatened to bury me before burying his child, and I had to seek refuge in the bush,’ George Uwihoreye told Monitor from a hiding place.
Uwihoreye said the land dispute has persisted for years and accused his son of trying to seize more of the family land.
He also alleged that Kwiringira is a habitual user of narcotic drugs and had been joined by friends who also abuse substances, preventing the burial.
The LC1 Chairperson of Buhangura Village, Annah Nyirabuhuru, described the events as ‘very sad and unfortunate’ for both the family and the wider community.
She noted that the family is not part of the village’s support groups that assist bereaved families.
Uwihoreye reported the incident to Nyarusiza Police Aid Post under a case of threatening violence, registered as SD/20/01/2026. Investigations are ongoing.
By press time, Uwihoreye and other family members remained in hiding, while Kwiringira continued to hold onto the body, preventing mourners and relatives from accessing the home by 10am on Thursday.
The case has left villagers distressed and raised concerns about familial disputes escalating into public safety issues while local authorities urged calm and appealed for the cooperation of all parties involved ‘to resolve the matter peacefully.’