Kisoro, Uganda – Police in Kisoro District have intervened to stop a planned mob action by residents of Busanani Village, Busanza Sub-county, in Bufumbira North.
The residents allegedly organized the attack in response to the arrest of six individuals, including LC1 Chairperson Magezi Augustine, two weeks earlier.
The violence was prevented during a village meeting attended by local leaders, Sub-county Community Development Officer Mugisha Christopher, area Member of Parliament Kamara John Nizeyimana, and a security team led by District Police Commander (DPC) Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha.
The tensions trace back to a domestic dispute between Tuyishime Benjamin and his wife, Mahoro Jackline, after accusations of witchcraft against her divided the community.
Residents had attempted to expel Mahoro, but she allegedly retaliated by conspiring with a group to destroy her husband’s house. Following the attack, Mahoro fled to her family, while Benjamin relocated to Kampala.
His elderly mother, who remained in the village, was reportedly severely beaten by Mahoro, further inflaming tensions and sparking plans for mob justice.
During the meeting, angry villagers demanded police authorization to banish Mahoro, with some proposing that both she and Benjamin be permanently relocated to restore peace.
Cue in … Residents. RR
Area MP Kamara John Nizeyimana condemned police inaction, citing their failure to investigate Benjamin’s formal complaint at Nyabwishenya Police Station regarding the arson and assault.
The legislator accused officers of wrongfully detaining village leaders instead of addressing the root conflict.
Cue in … Nizeyimana on Police. RR
DPC Kashumbusha acknowledged gaps in local investigations and urged residents to pursue legal channels rather than resorting to violence.
He warned that mob justice risks fatal consequences and summoned both Mahoro and Benjamin to resolve the dispute.
Cue in … Kashumbusha on the incident. RR
While the police intervention has temporarily eased tensions, the unresolved conflict continues to unsettle the community.