Police in Mbale City are investigating a violent mob attack that left a 16-year-old boy dead and another youth critically injured following a clash between rival groups in Mutoto Ward, Industrial City Division, on June 9.The incident, which occurred around 9 p.m. in Mutoto Lower Cell, was reported at Mbale City Central Police Station. Elgon regional police spokesperson Mr. Rogers Taitika identified the deceased as Chris Waniaye, a 16-year-old resident of the Musika area.
Mr. Taitika explained that the violence was linked to an earlier altercation on June 6, during a vigil held in memory of an elderly woman named Nasaka. Youths from various neighborhoods had gathered for an overnight mourning event, which escalated into a brawl, leaving one youth with a severed thumb. No police case was registered at the time, but retaliatory threats reportedly followed.
On June 8, tensions flared again when youths from Musika allegedly stormed the Shinyamboko area issuing threats. The following night, these tensions exploded into violence.
“During the fight, Chris Waniaye was fatally injured with a deep cut to his right side. Another unidentified youth suffered a gruesome injury—his right hand was cut off,” Mr. Taitika said.
Police found Waniaye’s body lying face-down between homes belonging to residents known only as Geoffrey and Nekesa Alice along Busano Road in an area referred to as “19.” He had a visible cut wound, and mairungi (khat) leaves were found tied around his trousers and in his mouth.
A team led by D/Asp Owiny Innocent, the Division CID Officer, documented the scene and collected several items, including sandals, a necklace, and blood samples. The severed hand of the unidentified youth was discovered the following morning. Both the body and the severed limb were taken to Mbale City Mortuary for postmortem examination.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and no arrests have yet been made. They have called on residents to stay calm and support the ongoing inquiries.
The incident is the latest in a disturbing trend of violent crimes in Mbale City.
On June 6, 18-year-old Jane Nambuya was killed in Busajabwankuba Cell, Namunsi Ward. She was attacked by two youths on her way home from buying charcoal. When she resisted an attempted phone robbery, one of the attackers slit her throat with a panga, killing her on the spot.
In another tragic case, 15-year-old Sumaya Binti Edrisa, a student at Nakaloke Secondary School, was allegedly raped and murdered inside Grace Guest House in March. Her body was found in Gudoi Cell, Namakwekwe Ward.
And in July 2023, 18-year-old Salima Sanzitta, also a student of Nakaloke SS, was found murdered and dumped in a pond in Nandala A Cell, Rock Ward.