By Robert Segawa
The number of suspects arrested in connection with a mob justice incident, in which two individuals were lynched over witchcraft allegations, has risen from 2 to 17.
The incident took place in Lugala village, Kasawo Sub-county, Mukono District, after residents gathered at the home of Sam Ntege to allegedly exorcise perceived evil spirits known locally as Amayembe.
While addressing the press at Police Headquarters in Naguru this morning, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango revealed that the police received intelligence from concerned onlookers warning of potential violence. This led to a swift police deployment to the area.
Upon arrival, the police encountered a hostile crowd. One officer was injured after being pelted with stones by angry residents. Officers responded by firing shots in the air to disperse the mob, but the situation escalated beyond control.
Two individuals—Sam Ntege, a 45-year-old businessman, and Patrick Makubuya, aged 50—were lynched by the mob. Their bodies have been transported to Mulago City Mortuary for postmortem examination.
Seventeen suspects are currently in custody at Nagalama Police Station, where they are undergoing further interrogation. Crime scenes have been revisited and re-documented to gather additional evidence and insights for further investigation.
