Mbarara – Police in Mbarara City are investigating the circumstances under which an unidentified man was killed and his body dumped in a sewage pond. The incident occurred in Kijungu Market Cell, Nyamityobora Ward, in Mbarara City South Division, where the body of a man was discovered on May 23, 2025, at around 9:00 a.m., lying in a sewage pond with visible wounds from cuts and beatings.
Mr. Moses Ssemakula, a resident of Kijungu Market Cell, said three children who were playing near the sewage ponds came running in fear and informed them about the dead body they had seen.
“We were informed by children who were playing nearby that they had seen someone dumped in a sewage pond. We rushed to the scene, confirmed it, and immediately informed the police, although the victim has not yet been identified,” he said.
Mr. Idris Ndawula, the LC1 Chairperson of Kijungu Market Cell, noted that the sewage ponds in the area have unfortunately become dumping sites for waste and, alarmingly, for dead bodies.
He revealed that this is not the first time a body has been found there. He attributed the continued killings and body dumping to criminal gangs, drug addicts, and street children who operate in the area, especially at night.
“These incidents are not new. We’ve previously retrieved the bodies of children and elderly people. These acts are mostly committed by young people involved in drugs,” he said.
Police officers take a study of the body that was retrieved in a sewage pond in Kijungu Market Cell, Nyamityobora Ward in Mbarara City South Division before taking it to the mortuary
Mr. Ndawula further explained that the growing number of street children has worsened the insecurity in the area, despite repeated attempts by local authorities to repatriate them to their homes.
“We tried returning these children to their families, but they keep coming back. Even with community sensitization, it’s hard to curb the issue as they hide in nearby slums and launch attacks at night,” he added.
He emphasized that regular patrols, both during the day and at night, are essential to restoring security in the area. Many residents, he said, live in fear and avoid moving outside past 9:00 p.m.
“We are pleading with the police to intensify patrols. The safety of this place is at risk, and those hiding in slums should be arrested,” he stressed.
Ms. Zulaika Nanono, a crime preventer in Nyamityobora Ward, confirmed that the area experiences high levels of insecurity. She pointed out that jobless youth are often the main suspects.
She criticized some landlords for protecting these youth in exchange for rent instead of helping find solutions like engaging them in productive activities.
“Thieves often hide in dark spots, especially near bridges. You can’t safely cross them after 9:00 p.m. If this is addressed, we’ll have a more peaceful community,” she said.
Ms. Nanono also expressed concern that many of these youth, driven by hunger and joblessness, turn to crime to survive, leading to an increase in robberies and assaults.
“They resort to theft and robbery. Despite our sensitization efforts, the community hasn’t fully responded, and insecurity continues to escalate,” she added.
Mr. Robert Mayanya, another resident, blamed the attacks on robbers armed with pangas and sticks who strike after security patrols end.
“In just a week, we always receive multiple reports of people attacked by thugs. The situation is worsening,” he noted.
SP Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident. He said it occurred around 10:00 p.m. on May 22, 2025, when a mob attacked a man identified as Rasta Busungu, accusing him of phone theft. “It’s alleged that he was with a group of unidentified individuals. After snatching a phone, they attempted to flee, but the mob caught him,” SP Kasasira said.
He noted that the deceased had not yet been identified by locals. His body was taken to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital mortuary as investigations continue.
“We have not yet made any arrests. Investigations are ongoing. The body is at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital so that anyone who recognizes him can come forward,” he added.
