Residents of Nansana West IA in Nansana Municipality have been left shocked after a 30-year-old man was found murdered and his house set ablaze in what police suspect may have been an attempt to destroy evidence.
The victim, identified as Danis Bukenya, was a recent graduate of Makerere University who was running a small business while searching for employment.
Residents said they were alerted by smoke coming from Bukenya’s home during the night and rushed to the scene in an effort to extinguish the fire.
Their rescue efforts turned tragic when they discovered Bukenya inside the house with severe head injuries.
“We saw smoke coming from the house and rushed to help. When we entered, we found him lying down with deep cuts on his head. We dragged him outside, but he was already dead,” one resident recounted.
Witnesses believe the attackers fatally assaulted Bukenya using sharp objects before setting the house on fire, possibly to conceal evidence and cover their tracks.
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The incident has devastated Bukenya’s family, who described him as a hardworking young man with a bright future.
His parents, Jackson Musisi Yiga and Lydia Namutebi, said their son had recently completed his studies at Makerere University and had been supported to start a business as he looked for work.
“We invested in a business for him after he completed his studies so that he could remain productive while looking for employment. We never imagined that his life would end this way,” they said.
Local leaders said Bukenya was widely respected in the community and had no known disputes.
Nansana West Ward Local Defence Secretary Franka Ssendyowa said the deceased operated two retail shops and a mobile money business, prompting speculation that the attackers may have been targeting cash.
“He was a disciplined young man who had no known conflicts with anyone. He operated two shops and also offered mobile money services. We suspect the attackers could have been targeting money,” Ssendyowa said.
The killing has heightened concerns about security in the area, with leaders urging residents to remain vigilant.
“This is a cruel and senseless act. We have lost a peaceful and hardworking young man. We urge residents to strengthen security around their homes and businesses, especially at night,” said Fred Ndagga, chairperson of Nansana West IA.
LC II Chairperson George Mukibi called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and unfamiliar individuals within their communities.
Police deployed a sniffer dog to assist with investigations, although no immediate leads had emerged by the time of reporting.
Investigators believe that the large number of people who gathered at the scene while attempting to put out the fire may have compromised potential evidence.
Officers from Nansana Police later examined the scene and transferred the body to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed that investigations were underway and appealed for public cooperation.
“We are actively investigating this murder and searching for those responsible. Anyone with information that may help us identify or arrest the suspects should report to the nearest police station,” Owoyesigyire said.
No arrests had been made by press time as police continued efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the killing.
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