Police condemn torching of 300 homes in Madi-Okollo

Over 300 homes have been torched in Onguruku Cell, Madi-Okollo district, Police have said.

The arson, according to the Police, is a revenge attack led by youth from Paradura cell, following the death of a man during a traditional introduction ceremony.

During the Monday joint security media briefing at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma described the incident as an act of lawlessness, warning that those responsible would face serious consequences.

According to Kituuma, the violence erupted on February 15, at about 1:00am during an introduction ceremony.

“The event was not a disco as initially reported, but a traditional ceremony. During the course of the night, a violent altercation broke out, leading to the death of one person, Arnold Anguzu, a 25-year-old male adult, and injuries to 19 others,” he said.

Following the incident, a group of youth from Paradura cell retaliated the next day, accusing the residents of Onguruku cell of being responsible for Anguzu’s death.

“They launched an attack on Onguruku cell, setting fire to 300 homes. This level of destruction over a previous altercation is unacceptable,” Kituuma stated.

He revealed that many suspects had fled the area, but Police were pursuing them.

“A big chunk of the population involved is on the run but let this be clear, acts of lawlessness will not go unpunished. When the law catches up with individuals, the consequences are dire,” Kituuma warned.

He urged local leaders to intervene and educate communities on conflict resolution.

“Three hundred homes burned in a single day due to a revenge attack is a dangerous sign. We call upon our local leaders to talk to their people before such situations escalate further,” he said.

Police have launched an investigation and intensified operations to apprehend those responsible.