Shock and fury have engulfed Bugo Village in Kabale District after an NRM supporter was brutally murdered just hours after grassroots elections.
The slain man, Silvano Bikorwomuhangi, was discovered dead along a village footpath on Wednesday evening, sparking suspicions of political revenge and family betrayal.
Silvano, a 52-year-old resident of Musamba parish in Rubaya Sub County, had earlier on Tuesday cast his vote in favour of Wilber Turyazayo, who was battling Henry Tumwijukye for the NRM LC1 flagbearer seat. What made the vote more dramatic is that Tumwijukye was Silvano’s own uncle but that didn’t stop him from openly backing Turyazayo, who later won the hotly contested race.
After the election, Silvano joined other jubilant voters at Musamba Trading Centre to celebrate the victory. But he never made it home. His lifeless body was discovered the next evening lying along a footpath to his second wife’s home, with villagers alerting leaders and police.
Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, confirmed the killing and said police have arrested three people to aid in investigations.
“We processed and documented the scene, recorded witness statements and handed the body to relatives for burial. The motive appears linked to election-related grudges,” Maate stated.
Meanwhile, Rubaya LCIII Chairman Nelson Atukwase has demanded a deep probe into the murder, citing disturbing political divisions within families. He revealed that the deceased had refused to vote for his uncle and warned that the current method of lining up behind candidates fuels hatred and retaliation.
“We need to change to secret ballots. This public lining method exposes people and promotes revenge and animosity,” Atukwase said, visibly frustrated.
The community is now gripped with fear and tension, with many wondering if choosing a political side is now a death sentence in Rubaya.
