The territorial police in Rwizi region, in liaison with Mbarara Central Police Station, have rescued Charles Amanya, a 16-year-old boy, who was buried alive after being accused of stealing phones.

According to a June 4, 2024 statement by Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police spokesperson, Amanya was tortured before being buried in a shallow grave by two suspects who have been arrested.

“The Territorial Police in Rwizi Region and Mbarara CPS have in custody two suspects identified as Evans Kamuhanda, aged 17, and Apollo Kamukama, aged 43, of Kaliba cell, Bubaare sub-county, for the alleged torture and attempted murder of Amanya Charles, a 16-year-old peasant of Kabujye cell, Sheema district, on May 28, 2024,” Enanga said.

“The suspects accused the victim of stealing their phones, which forced them to tie him to a tree, where they tortured him. Later in the night, they dug a shallow grave, where they dumped and buried him,” he added.

Enanga says that the victim managed to crawl out of the shallow grave to a nearby hut, where he spent two days until May 30, 2024, at around 6 p.m., when he was discovered and taken to the police. He was then transferred to the Bubaare Health Centre for treatment.

“It is extremely saddening that the victim was held captive, tortured over a missing phone, and dumped in a shallow grave by his co-workers. He was fortunate to survive such an ordeal,” Enanga said.

“We wish to inform the public that torture is a punishable crime and can lead to murder. We further urge the public to observe the rule of law and avoid such acts of impunity. Additionally, efforts are in place to trace the other suspects still at large,” he added.

In July 2018, Ibanda Police investigated the circumstances surrounding the burial of a suspected thief alive.

The suspect, identified only as Njunwoha, a resident of Kitooma village in Irimya Parish, Kicuzi Sub-County Ibanda district, was apprehended while trying to break into a resident’s home.