Rukingiri, Uganda – A routine night shift at a Nyarushanje bar ended in tragedy when a violent altercation over a matchbox claimed the life of a Rwandan national working as a bar attendant.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The deceased has been identified as Diana Wase, 19, who was assaulted in an incident that reportedly occurred on July 12, 2025, at Nyarushanje Stage Cell, Ibanda Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-County, Rukungiri District.
According to Kigezi Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, four fellow bar attendants were detained in connection with Wase’s murder.
The suspects, currently held at Rukungiri CPS, include: Elikoze Zuwaheze, 18, Mutesi Zane, 17, Muhawenimana Kolodina, 19, Omutono Owase Pasikalina, 19, all Rwandan nationals.
Preliminary police reports indicate that on the evening of July 11, 2025, the suspects and the deceased were working at a bar owned by one Kashaija.
An altercation ensued when Diana allegedly became violent after the group asked her for a matchbox to light cigarettes, leading to a physical confrontation.
The suspects allegedly struck Diana on the neck during the altercation, knocking her unconscious; she was taken to St. Andrews Health Center in Nyarushanje before being transferred to Kisizi Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Maate confirmed that officers at Rubabo Police Station were alerted, resulting in the swift arrest of the suspects, while the Crime Prevention Section (CPS) of Rukungiri was notified and dispatched a team to process the crime scene.
Investigations are currently underway to establish the full details of the incident, after which the suspects will be arraigned in court to face murder charges.
The case has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for stricter measures against bar violence and assaults.
About the Author
