Kamuli Residents Demand Justice After Fatal Boxing Event Shooting

The community in Kamuli is in uproar, demanding swift justice for Hussein Tenywa, a 41-year-old carpenter who was fatally shot at a boxing match held at Muzuri Guest House last Saturday. Residents have pointed fingers at Presidential Police Guard (PPG) officers believed to be attached to Kamuli Municipality Chairperson Eric Mugabi Mbiira.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred after a dispute between Tenywa and an armed guard, who was allegedly preventing attendees from accessing the boxing event organized by the Uganda Boxing Association (UBA).

During Tenywa’s burial in Kyeya Village, mourners and residents voiced their anger, urging authorities to apprehend Mbiira and his security detail. Joshua Mboizi, the owner of Muzuri Guest House, stated that he had granted permission for the event after UBA representatives presented authorization from the police. He expressed distress over his own detention following the shooting, questioning the presence of armed guards around Mbiira.

Concerns were also raised by residents like Abbey Nuume about why a civilian leader requires PPG personnel, calling for accountability and a reduction in the visible display of firearms in public spaces.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the guards appeared intoxicated upon arrival, with their boss, Mbiira, allegedly observing the situation passively. Bugabula South MP Matayo Bazanya has publicly tasked the Kamuli District Police Commander (DPC) to arrest all individuals involved, emphasizing that no one is above the law. The MP also pledged to support Tenywa’s four orphaned children with full school bursaries.

DPC Henry Mugarura confirmed that two security guards attached to Mbiira have been arrested and are being held in Kampala pending transfer to Kamuli. He assured residents that their case file would be sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review, with charges to follow. Mbiira is expected to report to the police to provide a statement, with an arrest warrant threatened if he fails to comply.

Tenywa, who leaves behind two widows and four children, was laid to rest in his ancestral home.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)