Kyegegwa District experienced a disturbing surge in murders in July, with more than five people being killed and several others left with serious injuries, raising fresh concerns about public safety and security.
Many of the victims were reportedly attacked inside their homes by unknown assailants.
According to the 2025 Annual Police Crime Report, the district registered 65 murder cases, the highest in the Rwenzori West policing region. This was an increase from 57 cases in 2024 and 43 cases in 2023.
Residents say that during July alone, at least nine people were murdered in separate incidents across the district while others are still nursing wounds.
Couple hacked to death
The latest incident occurred on July 21 at Kitende Village in Kibuye Parish, where a couple was found murdered in their home.
According to the Rwenzori West Regional Police spokesperson, SP Vincent Twesige, the victims were identified as Mutesa Donati, 53, a Rwandan national and peasant farmer, and Kyalisiima Beatrice, also known as Muhawenimana Maria, also a Rwandan national.
Police say unknown assailants attacked the couple during the night while they were asleep and stabbed them to death using a sharp object.
“The suspects stabbed them with an unidentified sharp weapon while they were asleep on their mattress. The male deceased sustained stab injuries to both ears, while the female sustained injuries to the left ear, above the left eye and on the head,” Twesige said.
He said police established that the attackers stole the couple’s mobile phones and SIM cards but left behind other valuable property, including a motorcycle and tailoring machines.
Just days before the Kitende murders, another couple, Ismeal Arituha and Aisha Nasolo, were killed in a similar nighttime attack in Muhangi Village, also in Kegegwa sub-county.
The Muhangi Village murder incident later turned chaotic after police tracked a suspect using a sniffer dog. As officers attempted to arrest the suspect, an angry crowd allegedly tried to lynch him.
Police fired live bullets to disperse the mob, fatally shooting a resident identified only as Emmanuel, who later passed on.
Twesige said the deceased died after sustaining gunshot injuries during the confrontation.
Mr William Kagooha, a relative of the Muhangi victims, said the children raised the alarm.
“When we reached their home, we found both of them tied with ropes on their hands and legs before they were killed,” Kagooha said.
On July 1 in Bulingo B Village, a family of four survived after neighbors responded to their cries. Attackers broke into Bigaruraho Ronald’s home at 4 a.m. with an axe. His wife Kansime Elizabeth and daughters Kabajulizi Immaculate and Kembabazi Juliet were seriously injured. Their 12-year-old son, Kusima Joseph, escaped and alerted authorities.
“Their 12-year-old son, Kusima Joseph, managed to escape and raised an alarm, alerting neighbors and the GISO of Kyegegwa Sub-county, who reported the matter to Kyegegwa Police Station,” Twesige said. Police recovered a blood-stained axe. The injured were taken to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
Leaders call for vigilance Local leaders say the attacks are spreading.
“We are asking our people to remain vigilant because every family is now worried. Our leaders should strengthen security and protect residents… We now fear that they can strike at any time,” said Mr. Steven Baguma, a local leader.
Mr Rashid Musinguzi, chairperson of Kyegegwa sub-county, confirmed four deaths in two incidents in his area.
“The first incident happened in Muhangi Village where we lost a couple. Another attack occurred in Kabweza where more people were killed. Some suspects have since been arrested and remain in detention,” he said.
He said village security committees of about 10 members each have been formed to patrol with security personnel. He urged residents to report suspicious people, avoid late-night movement, and check homes before sleeping.
In response, Rwenzori West Regional Police Commander SSP Joab Wabwire camped in Kyegegwa for five days with other officers.
“We could not continue sitting in Fort Portal while people were being killed. We decided to come to Kyegegwa to reinforce our security teams and end the crime. During the five-day operation, we arrested several suspects who will be arraigned before court. We have also received valuable support from residents and local leaders,” Wabwire said.
He said police have intensified day and night patrols and community sensitisation. According to him, no new murder cases have been reported in the last two weeks.
Residents, however, say they want sustained police presence to prevent another wave of attacks.