MPs Sound Alarm Over Brutal Killings in Kiruhura and Kazo Districts

Lawmakers in Uganda’s Parliament have voiced serious concerns regarding a disturbing increase in violent fatalities in the Kiruhura and Kazo districts. The issue was brought to the forefront during a plenary session, where representatives highlighted the escalating insecurity.

Hon. Genesio Tumuramye, representing Kashongi County, detailed that five people, including a child, were brutally killed in their homes within Kitura County over the past month. He urged the Ministry of Internal Affairs and security agencies to launch a thorough investigation to understand the root causes of these attacks and to provide support to the grieving families.

His colleague, Hon. Dan Atwijukire of Kazo County, painted an even more dire picture, reporting that ten people lost their lives between mid-August and late September. Atwijukire noted the horrific nature of the killings, with victims subjected to various forms of violence, including being struck with hammers, slaughtered, and strangled. He emphasized that women and young children appear to be the main targets.

Despite some arrests, including suspects who confessed to killing an elderly woman for financial gain, the violence has persisted. Atwijukire called for an urgent high-level meeting in the affected areas to reassure residents and address the pervasive sense of insecurity, noting that “People are sleepless. They are very uncomfortable.”

Responding to the MPs’ concerns, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, extended the government’s condolences. He assured Parliament that the President typically provides financial assistance to families affected by such tragedies and indicated this would likely occur. However, Dr. Kiyonga also stressed the crucial role of community vigilance, stating that security forces alone cannot prevent every incident. He urged residents to collaborate with the police and army to bolster security efforts, promising that the government would work diligently to restore order.

For more details, visit: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4639/mps-raise-alarm-over-killings-kiruhura-and-kazo-districts