Kitagwenda Students Torch Houses and Destroy Property After Murder of Senior Four Student
KITAGWENDA, Uganda – Police in Kitagwenda District have launched investigations into the murder of an 18-year-old Senior Four student whose death sparked violent protests, property destruction, and arson by fellow students.
The deceased, identified as Onesmus Alinda, was a student at Kitagwenda High School. According to preliminary reports, he disappeared from the school on Saturday night after allegedly leaving the school premises without authorization.
His body was later discovered in a nearby sugarcane plantation with multiple cut wounds, prompting shock and anger among students, teachers, and residents.
Discovery of Body Triggers Unrest
News of Alinda’s death quickly spread through the school community, leading to heightened emotions among students.
Witnesses said groups of students reacted angrily after learning of the killing, resulting in widespread destruction of property in the surrounding area.
Jolly Kebirungi, a local resident, said some students stormed nearby gardens and damaged crops.
“Students became emotional after learning about the death of their colleague. Some of them moved into nearby gardens and destroyed banana and coffee plantations,” Kebirungi said.
The unrest later escalated beyond crop destruction, with reports of arson targeting homes near the scene where the body was discovered.
Houses Set Ablaze
Another resident, Scovia Kembabazi, said at least two houses were reportedly set on fire by angry students.
“Two houses were reportedly torched near the area where the body was found as students reacted to the incident,” she said.
The destruction has left residents concerned about security and the growing tensions within the community following the student’s death.
Police Arrest Two Suspects
Kitagwenda District Police Commander SP Joshua Akankunda confirmed the homicide and the subsequent unrest, revealing that police have already arrested two suspects to assist with investigations.
“We have arrested two suspects in connection with the incident, and they are currently detained at Kitagwenda Central Police Station as investigations continue,” SP Akankunda said.
Police have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects or the possible motive behind the killing.
Post-Mortem Examination Underway
Authorities transported Alinda’s body to Ntara Health Centre IV for a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death and gather further forensic evidence.
Meanwhile, police have appealed for calm among students and members of the public as investigators work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Authorities Urge Restraint
Security officials have warned against taking the law into one’s own hands and urged community members to allow the justice process to take its course.
The killing of the Senior Four student and the subsequent violence have drawn widespread attention across Kitagwenda District, with residents calling for swift action against those responsible.
Investigations into both the murder and the destruction of property remain ongoing.
