Police in Rukungiri district have arrested four suspects in connection with the death of Cleophas Bakukweshe, 65.

Reports indicate that Bakukweshe, a pit-sawyer and a resident of Byogo cell, Bikongozo parish in Nyakishenyi sub-county, died immediately after he fell from a high terrace when he was pushed. The incident allegedly followed a fight in a bar where he was drinking together with friends. 

According to the Police, the death has been registered as murder by assault on CRB 408/2023. 

Kigezi region Police spokesperson Elly Maate in a statement said on March 18, 2023, at about 9:30 pm at Kiruhura trading centre, Byongo cell, the deceased was in a bar operated by Prosper Turinaomuhangi drinking with friends including Marshal Bakeine and Fudeli Byaruhanga.  

They were joined by Silvano Beinomugisha, who Police say got their booze and poured it down, which caused anger among the revellers. It is reported that a quarrel ensued immediately between Beinomugisha and the deceased, which later turned into a fight. 

It is alleged that these men continued fighting outside the bar where Beinomugisha allegedly pushed the deceased and Bakukweshe fell off a cliff where he died instantly.

The death shocked the rest of the revellers in the bar causing some to flee from the scene. When Police were alerted, they visited the scene and conveyed the body to Rwakabengo Health Centre III mortuary for postmortem.

Four suspects were arrested for questioning and were still being detained at Rukungiri Police Station as investigations continue. They include prime suspects Beinomugisha, Bakeine, Byaruhanga and Turinomugisha.

Maate said the suspects are expected to appear in court on charges of murder by assault once investigations are complete.