Police at Matugga are investigating a violent mob incident in which two suspected thugs were beaten to death by angry residents after allegedly attacking a village and terrorising locals in broad daylight.
The violence erupted in Kigoogwa village in Gombe Division, Nansana Municipality, when a group of men reportedly stormed the home of Ssenyonjo Godfrey Muwanga armed with machetes and other weapons.
According to residents, the suspected attackers moved around the area threatening people and blocking some residents from accessing parts of the village, sparking panic and confusion among locals.
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The situation escalated after one of the suspects allegedly attempted to attack a resident with a machete, prompting residents to retaliate.
Residents reportedly chased and assaulted the suspects, killing one at the scene while others who were rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital later succumbed to their injuries.
The suspects were allegedly travelling in a Toyota Mark II registration number UAP 343W bearing markings of Benson Property Consultant.
When journalists visited the area, tension remained high, with residents expressing suspicion toward strangers amid lingering fear following the incident. The house believed to have been at the centre of the conflict was found badly damaged and reinforced with wooden supports.
Ssenyonjo said the attack was the fourth incident targeting his home and accused police at Matugga of repeatedly failing to intervene despite several complaints.
"This is now the fourth time they are attacking my home, but whenever we report to police, nothing is done. We have been abandoned," Ssenyonjo said.
He accused one of his relatives, identified only as Namusisi, of being behind the repeated attacks and ongoing land-related wrangles.
"A lot of confusion started after property documents allegedly disappeared and were taken to unknown places while money exchanges were being made," he claimed.
Catherine Nalubwama blamed Matugga Police for allegedly ignoring earlier complaints, saying the authorities' failure to act may have contributed to the deadly violence.
"The police ignored these repeated attacks, and residents eventually became frustrated. That is how the situation got out of hand," Nalubwama said.
She also accused Namusisi of repeatedly summoning family members to different police stations but failing to appear whenever called upon to explain the disputes.
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Residents said the area has for years been affected by family conflicts and land wrangles, but tensions escalated after the disputes turned violent.
LC1 Chairperson Joseph Ssekumba said he was away when the violence broke out and only learned about the incident after the suspects had already been beaten by residents.
"I appeal to all parties to sit down and resolve these conflicts peacefully instead of putting the entire community in fear," Ssekumba said.
He also called upon police to intervene decisively before the situation deteriorates further.
Rachel Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, confirmed that one suspect had been arrested to assist with investigations and is currently detained at Matugga Police Station.
Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the mob justice incident and the underlying land dispute are ongoing.
