Mob Kills Man Over Alleged Theft in Kabale, Celebrated Businessman Among Suspects

Mob Kills Man Over Alleged Theft in Kabale, Celebrated Businessman Among Suspects

By Our Reporter

KABALE — Shock and outrage have gripped residents of Kabale town after a man was brutally murdered in a suspected mob justice incident allegedly involving a prominent local businessman and his associates.

The deceased, identified as Niwamanya Bedarn, 36, a resident of Murambo 1 Cell, Kitojo Ward, Bubare Town Council in Rubanda District, was reportedly attacked and killed by a group led by Mutahunga Sophan alias Muta, a celebrated businessman in Kabale town, and his security guard, Byamugisha Lauben.

According to preliminary police investigations, the incident occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 8, 2025, at around 6:00 a.m. at Kigongi A Cell, Kigongi Ward, Central Division in Kabale Municipality.

Police say the deceased was vending black tea and miraa (khat) opposite Manhattan Hotel in Kigongi when Muta and his security guard confronted and apprehended him, accusing him of stealing property.

“They arrested him and took him to an area opposite TikTok Bar in Kigongi, where other unidentified individuals joined them and assaulted him to death,” said ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson.

The attackers then allegedly loaded the deceased’s body into a white Toyota Harrier, registration number UBC 505D, reportedly owned by Muta, and drove it to Makanga Cell, where they dumped it.

Police confirmed that two scenes of crime, at TikTok Bar and Makanga, were visited, processed, and documented. The motor vehicle believed to have been used in the transport of the body was recovered and is being held as part of the ongoing investigations.

Mutahunga and Byamugisha have since been arrested, while other suspects involved in the killing remain at large.

The incident has sparked fresh debate over the growing cases of mob justice in the region, with several residents calling for a swift and impartial investigation given the high profile of one of the suspects.

Police say inquiries are still underway, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the murder.

Mob justice remains a criminal offense under Ugandan law, and the police have repeatedly warned the public against taking the law into their own hands.

ENDS