Police hunt suspects after bloody brawl at Buikwe funeral

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A funeral in Buikwe district turned violent on Good Friday evening after a group of intoxicated mourners launched an attack, leaving three people seriously injured and rushed to hospital.

The incident took place at around 5:30pm in Luyanzi-Toowa village, Kiteza parish, Kawolo division.

According to Ssezibwa Region Police spokesperson Hellen Butoto, the chaos broke out during the burial of a man believed to have drowned in the waters of Katosi.

“It’s alleged that a group of drunkards, known to locals, stormed the funeral armed with bottles of waragi and sharp objects. They picked a fight with one Njukyi, a resident of the area, before turning their rage on three mourners from Mukono who tried to intervene,” Butoto said.

The victims—identified as Noah Sajja, Bruno Kibirango, and Brian Ssegawa—had travelled from Mukono to pay their last respects to their friend. Instead of mourning peacefully, they became entangled in a violent scuffle with locals who accused them of having played a role in the deceased’s death.

“The suspects attacked them with sharp objects, inflicting serious injuries,” Butoto added. “The victims were quickly evacuated to Kawolo Hospital for medical attention. We’re still hunting for the suspects who fled the scene and remain at large.”

Police have opened a case of assault and launched investigations into the matter.

The motive behind the attack appears to stem from alcohol-fuelled accusations and unsubstantiated claims made in the heat of grief.

“We caution the public to refrain from acts of mob justice and to maintain calm during emotional events such as funerals,” Butoto warned. “We shall ensure that all those involved are brought to book.”

By press time, the suspects’ identities were known to residents, and efforts by police to apprehend them were ongoing.