22 Dead After Uganda Independence Celebrations Turn Violent

In Uganda, during the celebration of the country’s 61st Independence Day in Kitgum District on Monday, September 9, 2023, the police announced that more than 22 people have lost their lives.

The Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, revealed on Wednesday, September 11, that there were 31 criminal cases reported on that day. These included three murder cases, five mob-related murder cases, two cases of assault-related murder, two suspected suicides by hanging, one case of poisoning-related murder, three strangulation-related murders, and three cutting-related murders.

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Due to these cases, 22 individuals lost their lives, and nine suspects have been arrested and detained in police stations as investigations continue. In one incident in Busika Central, Luweero District, a thief broke into the house of Mr. Moses Matovu, a taxi driver. Mr. Matovu fought off the thief, who then stabbed him and fled. However, neighbors captured the thief, beat him to death, and set his body on fire. Detectives visited the crime scene, and the body was taken to Luweero hospital for a postmortem.

Mr. Enanga also mentioned that the local LC1 chairperson provided a statement to the police, and inquiries into the matter are still ongoing.