Guard accused of killing businessman Mutinisa arrested in Kanungu

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Police on Monday, August 25, 2025, confirmed the arrest of 28-year-old security guard, Hillary Byaruhanga, attached to Don World Security Limited, who allegedly shot dead 53-year-old businessman and proprietor of Mutinisa Motors Uganda, Anthony Mutinisa.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed Byaruhanga was arrested in Kanungu district on Monday after being trailed.

The victim's car, registration number UA 769 BQ was recovered in Katwe Cell, Kihihi Town Council by police in Kanungu. (Credit: Police)

“The suspect allegedly shot Mutinisa in cold blood on Sunday evening and fled with the victim's car, registration number UA 769 BQ, which was recovered in Katwe Cell, Kihihi Town Council by police in Kanungu,” he said.

Rusoke added that the suspect was arrested alongside his friend, Mark Akampa.

New Vision has learnt that detectives from the Police Crime Intelligence Directorate, working with other security agencies, tracked the suspect to his hideout in Kanungu before he could cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

On Sunday, August 24, residents of Minister’s Village cell in Ntinda, Nakawa division, Kampala, were left in shock after Mutinisa was fatally shot under unclear circumstances by Byaruhanga, who was attached to Don Security Services Company in Bweyogerere, Kampala.

It is alleged that Byaruhanga, who had previously worked as a security guard in Johannesburg, South Africa, turned on his employer in an attempt to steal money and a vehicle.

“Byaruhanga had been guarding the deceased for three years and had become friends with him. He started guarding him from his home and at his office until he pleaded to remain at the office premises at Ntinda Martyrs Road office,” Hassan Bukenya, the manager of Mutinisa Motors Uganda, said.

The police officers who were investigating circumstances surrounding death of Anthony Mutinisa of Mutinisa Motors in Ntinda in the parking lot. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

At the time of his death, Mutinisa was residing in Mbalwa, Namugongo. He is survived by his wife and two children.

“Our boss would come every Sunday alone at the office to balance his books following Saturday’s ceremonies after the hired V8 cars are brought back by clients. He would come alone because there were security cameras at the offices and even an armed security guard,” Bukenya narrated.

“By the time of his shooting, I was not at the office because I last saw him only on Saturday before I heard the awful news at around 6pm in the evening,” he added.

Mutinisa, who operated three car bonds dealing in V8 vehicles, had built a reputation for hiring out cars to partygoers and event organisers.

Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed the incident and said a team from the Crime Investigations Directorate had been dispatched.

“The incident happened at around 04:30 pm on Sunday and the suspected killer took away with the deceased vehicle V8 Land Cruiser which had a digital number plate, deceased’s mobile telephones and an unspecified sum of money in his bag,” he confirmed.

Police said the guard fled with a large sum of money and the vehicle, but investigations are ongoing. Mutinisa’s offices are located opposite Atlas Impex Limited, an international labour recruitment company, on Martyrs Road, Ntinda.

The crime scene which was cordoned off by the police along Ntinda Martyrs Day Road with a yellow ribbon shocked residents in Ntinda (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

This is not the first time a guard has turned against his employer. On May 2, 2023, State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Col. (rtd) Charles Okello Engola, was shot dead by his bodyguard at his home in Kampala.

Locals regret incident

Zubair Tumwine, a resident of Ntinda, regretted the killing and urged police to investigate thoroughly.

“Incidents of similar nature keep happening in Uganda, but it is hard to release reports about the mysterious murders. The police need to do a lot in unmasking such high-profile murders connected to business and politics,” he insisted.