Police in south-western Uganda have arrested a well-known businessman in Kabale Town in connection with the killing of a 36-year-old man accused of theft.
Kigezi Region police spokesperson Elly Maate identified the suspect as Sophan Mutahunga, widely known as “Muta,” the proprietor of Muta Kitchen Ware in Kabale Town. He was arrested alongside another suspect, Lauben Byamugisha.
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The victim, named as Bedarn Niwamanya from Murambo 1 Cell in Rubanda District, was reportedly attacked on 8 August 2025 at around 06:00 local time. According to police, Niwamanya had been selling black tea and miraa (khat) near Manhattan Hotel in Kigongi, Kabale Municipality, when Muta and his security guard allegedly confronted him over theft claims.
Police say the two men, joined by others still on the run, took Niwamanya to an area opposite TikTok Bar, where he was beaten to death. His body was later placed in Muta’s white Toyota Harrier and dumped in Makanga Cell, Kabale Town.
Officers processed both crime scenes and impounded the vehicle for further investigation.
The arrest comes amid growing concern over rising murder cases in the Kigezi Region. Local leaders, including Kanungu District Council Speaker Frank Byaruhanga, have blamed the trend on weak law enforcement and the distractions of the electoral season. Rukungiri District Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama also cited alcohol and drug abuse as major contributors to violent crime.
Police data shows the region recorded 74 murders between April and July this year, with monthly cases fluctuating between 17 and 20.
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