Security operatives in Kalangala district are hunting for a village local council chief who allegedly chained a witchcraft suspect to death on a tree.

The suspect, identified as Peter Serugwanya, the LCI chairperson of Namisoke landing site, Ssese Islands, in Bubeke Sub County, reportedly chained the deceased, who had been accused of practicing witchcraft, on a tree and denied him water and food for over 24 hours.

Henry Lubulwa, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kalangala, confirmed that security is currently hunting for Serugwanya to answer murder charges preferred against him.

“I do confirm that this incident happened at the Namisoke landing site; however, a manhunt for Serugwanya is on, and once apprehended, he will be taken to court,’’ said Lubulwa.

Residents had earlier accused the police of failing to arrest Serugwanya, citing possible connivance with the suspect. The incident reportedly took place last month.

Richard Seruyange, a resident, said their attempt to have the suspect arrested was largely rusted by the police in the area.

“We are so disappointed in our police in Kalangala because when we reported Serugwanya for the crime he committed, they did not help us at all but rather threatened us with arrest,” said Seruyange.

Locals appealed to the police to heighten the hunt for Serugwanya so that he could be brought to justice.