Police in Kabale district have arrested five suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of Feredian Ndyebwooha, aged around 50, who was allegedly killed in Bugarama Village, Buhara Sub-County, Kabale district.

Ndyebwooha, who lived alone, was reportedly murdered on the night of April 12, 2025 and her lifeless body was discovered the following morning in one of the bedrooms of her house by a neighbor, who had gone to check on her after noticing an unusual silence from her home.

The arrested suspects, all residents of Bugarama Cell in Buhara Sub- County, have been identified as Brian Byaruhanga (31), Joseph Tukwasibwe (25), Alex Aturiheihi (19), Ronald Tubihemukama (19) and Dismus Niwagaba (23).

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects are believed to have conspired to kill the deceased over a longstanding land dispute.

Kigezi region police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed the arrests and cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands.

He urged community members to resolve conflicts peacefully and seek help from local leaders or relevant authorities rather than resorting to violence.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that deep-rooted tensions over land ownership were the primary motive behind the attack. However, inquiries are still ongoing, and once concluded, those found responsible will be formally charged and held accountable for this heinous crime,” ASP Maate stated.

He condemned such acts of lawlessness and revealed that once investigations are complete, the suspects will be arraigned before court to face murder charges under the Penal Code Act.

The killing has left the local community in shock, with many residents expressing fear and outrage over the rising incidents of land-related violence in the area.

On January 21, 2025, Africano Kawiti, a 60-year-old resident of Kigugo Village, Buhara Sub-County, was brutally murdered in a land dispute case. Africano had purchased a 40×90 ft plot in 2023 from Rashid Mwesigwa, but Mwesigwa’s family opposed the sale, claiming the price was too low and demanding the land back or an alternative.

The dispute escalated from verbal threats to physical violence, ultimately resulting in Africano being found dead with clear signs of a brutal assault. three suspects were arrested in connection with the murder, including Mwesigwa and his two sons.

These two tragic cases underscore a worrying trend of escalating land-related violence in Kabale District, particularly in Buhara Sub- County.