Police in Busia District have apprehended a 56-year-old man, Joseph Wabwire, who had been evading arrest for nearly two months following the alleged murder of his uncle, Zakariah Sande, amid a disagreement over property.
Busia District Police Commander Ms. Alice Kuka confirmed that Wabwire was captured on May 15 in Butema Village, located in Muwayo Town Council, Bugiri District.
“He was taken directly to court upon arrest since the murder investigations were complete and the resident state attorney had already approved the case file,” said Ms. Kuka.
Wabwire is accused of fatally stabbing his uncle multiple times in the chest and legs and slashing his abdomen open during an altercation on March 27, 2025, in Bukemo Village, Dabani Sub-county.
Investigators say the dispute began after Sande, who allegedly tried to stop Wabwire from selling their deceased father’s house, was accused by Wabwire of attempting to take over the property. Following the fallout, Wabwire reportedly stalked Sande for nearly a week before attacking him while he was preparing food.
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A local resident, Mr. John Egesa, mentioned that the victim, Sande, was unmarried and had no children.
After the killing, Wabwire allegedly left the bloodied knife on his hut near the crime scene and fled into a nearby swamp, hiding there for three days before fleeing to Bugiri District.
“Although we found the murder weapon, Wabwire managed to escape and initially avoided capture,” said one of the investigators.
Early attempts to locate Wabwire through his mobile devices failed, as he had discarded them. However, a tip from an acquaintance led authorities to suspect he was hiding in Muwayo Sub-county, Bugiri District.
Crime intelligence officers, alongside the Flying Squad, focused their efforts on the area. Although they believed he was nearby, pinpointing his exact location proved difficult. A detective noted that Wabwire only moved around late at night and stayed hidden during the day.
Eventually, he developed a severe wound on his hand and began seeking medical help during the day, which exposed his location and led to his arrest.
During questioning, Wabwire confessed to the killing and explained that the injury was inflicted by Sande during the struggle.
“This wound was caused by the man I killed. It’s gotten worse and started to rot,” he told authorities.
He has been formally charged with murder under Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act and is now remanded to Masafu Government Prison.
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