Police in Rukiga District have arrested two Rwandan nationals in connection with the murder of a 45-year-old man who was allegedly strangled to death during a domestic dispute on Monday night.
The Kigezi regional police spokesperson, Mr. Nelson Tumushime, identified the deceased as James Vian Maliwa, a resident of Nyamatete village, Rwimbogo Sub-county, Gatsibo District in Rwanda.
According to police, the suspects have been identified as 48-year-old Sitafania Nyirampakaniye, the deceased’s lover, and Sarah Asifiwe, a casual worker from Kagarama village, Nyagatare District, Rwanda.
Mr. Tumushime stated that the incident occurred at the couple’s rented residence in Kikuto village, Kashekye parish, Kamwezi Sub-county, Rukiga District. It is alleged that a domestic dispute broke out between the couple during the night, leading Nyirampakaniye and Asifiwe to strangle Maliwa to death.
While condemning the act, Mr. Tumushime urged members of the public to report domestic grievances to law enforcement and local leaders rather than resorting to violence.
The tragedy comes against the backdrop of a concerning rise in violent crimes across the Kigezi region. Police records indicate that 12 murder cases were registered in the area within just two weeks. According to police authorities, these incidents-which involved mob action, hacking, stabbing, assault, and strangulation-have led to the arrest of several suspects who are currently awaiting prosecution.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, police in neighboring Kabale District opened an investigation into a case of attempted murder by shooting in Nyakijumba village, Kabale Municipality.
A security guard attached to Uganda Securiko Company, identified as Emmanuel Akanyijuka, reportedly fired a gunshot that injured a 30-year-old boda-boda rider, Davis Niwamanya. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown.
“We strongly condemn acts of violence involving the use of firearms against civilians,” Mr. Tumushime said regarding the incident. “Possession and use of firearms without lawful authority is illegal. We wish the victim a quick recovery and assure the public that the perpetrator will be brought to justice.”