Police probe colleague murder by hacking, robbery in Buhweju

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Police are investigating a case of murder by hacking and aggravated robbery following the brutal killing of one of their own during an attempted arrest in Nyakaziba town council, in Buhweju district.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred on January 19, 2026, at about 6:09am when two officers attached to Nyakaziba Town Council Police Station booked out for an operation at Kyanika B Village, vide Nyakaziba Police Station SD Ref: 03/19/01/2026.

The officers, identified as Corporal Christopher Olenge and Police Constable Sunday Opiro, had been dispatched to arrest a suspect, Wilbroad Tumusiime, in connection with a case of threatening violence, registered under SD Ref: 10/16/01/2026.

They were guided by the LC1 chairperson and the complainant, Josephat Mubangizi, to the suspect’s residence.

On arrival, the local council leader called out the suspect, identified the officers and explained the purpose of the visit.

However, the suspect (Tumusiime) refused to respond and remained silent inside the house, while children from within shouted that they would not open the door.

As Opiro attempted to enter through a window, the suspect suddenly grabbed the muzzle of his firearm and forcefully pulled it inside the house.

A struggle ensued, with the officer entering through the window while Olenge tried unsuccessfully to break through the door.

Moments later, a gunshot was heard from inside the house, followed by cries for help from Opiro, who reported that the suspect had cut him on the hand and head and was attempting to kill him.

Unable to access the house, Olenge ran back to the police station to mobilise reinforcements. When officers returned to the scene, they found that the suspect had fled after opening the house.

At the scene, police recovered a magazine and a mobile phone belonging to the injured officer. Opiro was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood, with multiple deep cuts on the head, hands and legs.

He was rushed towards hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way.

Police say investigations are ongoing to trace and arrest the suspect. Authorities have urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect involved in the deadly attack.