Defeated Kanungu LC1 Chairperson Dies in Post-Election Fire Incident

Justus Byakurama, the 61-year-old former LC1 chairperson of Bikomero village in Katungu parish, Kanungu district, has tragically passed away. Byakurama succumbed to severe burns he sustained in a house fire that erupted on Tuesday night, the same day he lost his bid for re-election.

Official election results declared Precious Tweheireyo Kinumi, Byakurama’s neighbor, the winner with 138 votes, while Byakurama received only 47 votes. Following the announcement, Byakurama and his family returned home.

Eyewitnesses report that later that evening, Kinumi allegedly lit a celebratory fire to mark his electoral victory. Around 11:00 pm, the fire reportedly spread from Kinumi’s vicinity, engulfing Byakurama’s kitchen and subsequently moving to the main house.

During an attempt to quell the flames, Byakurama sustained serious burn injuries. He was rushed to Kambuga hospital for urgent medical attention but tragically passed away on Wednesday. His body has been transferred to the hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Local police have initiated an investigation into the incident. While they are actively searching for potential arsonists, the exact cause of the fire and its direct connection to the election victory celebrations remain unconfirmed. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Byakurama’s death.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/defeated-kanungu-lc1-chairperson-dies-in-election-victory-fire