Uganda: Mob Lynches Suspect During Search for Murder Weapon

Police in the Wamala Region have launched investigations after an irate mob lynched a murder suspect who had been in police custody while guiding detectives to recover a suspected murder weapon in Kyankwanzi District.

Amon Senkula had been arrested in Ntunda Town Council and was under investigation for the alleged murder of Sentongo Awali and his wife, Doreen Ayebare, reportedly committed on February 14, 2026.

According to Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi, the suspect had confessed to the double murder and agreed to lead police officers to the location where he had hidden the weapon believed to have been used in the killings.

"After his arrest, the suspect admitted to the murder of Sentongo Awali and Ayebare Doreen. Today at around 15:00hrs he led a team of officers to a forest in Bakulimya Village, Ndairinga Ward, Ntunda Subcounty, to recover the exhibit weapon," SSP Kigozi said.

The police team, led by the Kyankwanzi District Police Commander (DPC) and accompanied by detectives and security personnel, was ambushed by a large group of residents.

Police described the mob as heavily armed with pangas, sticks, clubs, stones, bricks, and spears. The group reportedly overwhelmed the officers before attacking the suspect.

"An irate mob, emerging from Ntunda Town Council and surrounding areas, descended on the scene and lynched the suspect instantly. The attackers fled immediately after carrying out the act," Kigozi stated.

The spokesperson condemned the incident, stressing that police had intended to ensure the suspect faced justice through lawful prosecution.

"It is a regrettable incident. Our objective was to have Senkula Amon prosecuted in court in accordance with the law. We strongly condemn mob justice in all its forms," he emphasized.

Police have since opened investigations to identify and apprehend those involved in the mob attack. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, warning that mob justice undermines the rule of law and can lead to criminal liability.

The double murder case and the circumstances surrounding the mob attack remain under active investigation.

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