A 61-year-old former LC1 chairman of Bikomero Village in Katungu Parish, Rugyeyo Sub-county, Kanungu District, has died after sustaining severe burns in a suspected arson attack following the just-concluded village elections.
The deceased, Justus Byakurama, lost the LC1 chairperson election held on Tuesday to Precious Tweheireyo Kinumi. Byakurama garnered 47 votes, while Kinumi won with 138 votes.According to reports, after the election results were announced, Byakurama returned home with his family members. Later, Kinumi, who is also Byakurama’s close neighbor, reportedly celebrated his victory by lighting a fire.
According to an area resident, Moses Tugumisirize, the fire spread at around 11:00 p.m. and first engulfed Byakurama’s kitchen before extending to the main house.Byakurama and his family members woke up and attempted to extinguish the flames. During the rescue effort, he sustained severe burns to his body. He was rushed to Kambuga Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
The Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, Nelson Tumushime, confirms the incident, saying Byakurama’s body is at Kambuga Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.Tumushime adds that police have launched investigations and are hunting for the suspected arsonists to ensure they are arrested and brought to justice. URN