Butebo man killed over land boundary dispute

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BUTEBO — The Police in Kabwangasi town council, Butebo district, have arrested a man suspected of beating his neighbour to death following a dispute over land boundaries.

Fred Kirya, 56, was attacked on the evening of November 4, 2025, by Sam Opolot, a resident of the same village, after a disagreement over uprooted boundary marks.

According to reports, Opolot confronted the deceased at his home around 9:00pm and struck him several times with a stick before being restrained by James Teko, a relative. Both men then returned to their respective homes.

However, at about 5:00am the following day, the deceased’s son found his father lying lifeless inside his house and alerted the area chairperson, who confirmed the death and reported the matter to the Police.

Police officers from Kabwangasi Police Station visited the scene, documented evidence, and recorded statements from local leaders and relatives.

The suspect was later arrested and detained, according to the Police.

“The suspect is in custody to assist with investigations. We urge community members to resolve land conflicts peacefully and seek legal mediation rather than resorting to violence,” Bukedi North Police Spokesperson Wilfred Kyempasa said.

Report

According to the Police 2024 Annual Crime Report, Uganda recorded 1,339 murders by assault and 1,016 by mob action, even as overall crime declined by 4.1%. In the last four years, murders through assault have led with 1,095 cases registered in 2021, 1,085 cases in 2022, 1,127 cases in 2023 and 1,339 cases in 2024, followed by Murder by Mob Action with 759 cases registered in 2021, 953 cases in 2022, 1052 cases registered in 2023 and 1016 cases registered in 2024 among others.