A family in Rubanda District is demanding justice following the brutal killing of their relative, after suspects linked to the murder were allegedly released without being taken to court.
The deceased, Bruce Tukamushaba, also known as "Easy Bruce DJ," was a well-known local disc jockey and resident of Rurengyere Village in Nyaruhanga Ward, Rubanda Town Council.
He is reported to have gone missing on April 9 and was later found dead on April 11 in a deep trench.
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According to his widow, Doreen Friday, her husband left home for a bar on April 9 but did not return as expected.
"My husband went to the bar on Friday and slept there. I got worried after spending the whole day without knowing where he is, I was forced to inform the family members," Friday said.
A search was later launched after he failed to return home for two days, leading to the discovery of his body.
Police arrested several suspects in connection with the killing, including Andrew Mukamabaho. However, the family says they were shocked to learn that the suspects were released without being produced in court.
Friday said her husband was the family's sole breadwinner, supporting four children through his work as a DJ and passion fruit farmer. She has called on security agencies to ensure justice is served.
The deceased's father, Medard Kakyekorera, alleged irregularities in the handling of the case, claiming that police officers demanded money from him.
"They were not even taken to court. The suspects were released without the family's knowledge," Kakyekorera said.
He further alleged that relatives of one of the suspects later approached the family offering 80 million shillings as compensation in exchange for withdrawing the case, an offer the family rejected.
Local leaders say they intervened to prevent tensions from escalating into mob justice. Sylivano Tumuhimbise, LC1 Chairperson of Omukashekye Village, said they reported the matter to police after residents became agitated, and later learned that officers had visited the suspect's home where blood stains were reportedly found.
Another local leader, Moses Byarugaba, LC1 Chairperson of Nyarugarama, criticised the handling of the case, saying suspects had initially been rescued from an angry mob before their release.
"I want to call on security agencies to work closely with local leaders and reopen the case to ensure justice for the family," Byarugaba said.
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When contacted, Rubanda District Police Commander John Bosco Tumuhimbise said he needed time to verify the matter but later did not respond to follow-up calls.
The case has been registered under file number CRB 113/2026 at Rubanda Central Police Station.
