Police in Kiira region on Thursday confirmed the arrest of James Mulopa, a local bar owner in Kalamoya zone, in Buwenge town council, in Jinja district over suspected murder.
His arrest follows the death of an 18- year old Zubair Balikoowa, who collapsed dead in his bar on Monday night.
Balikoowa’s death sparked off rage amongst community members, who stormed the bar to inquire from Mulopa and his staff on what had transpired.
The raging crowd became chaotic and attempted to destroy Mulopa’s local bar, forcing him to flee into hiding in his house located about 50 meters away. The charged crowd stormed his house and attempted to burn it down. Police intervened by dispersing the crowd and arresting Mulopa.
Mulopa is currently detained at Buwenge Central Police station over suspected murder by poisoning.
The area L.C.1 chairperson, David Akuze says that Balikoowa has been a renowned hardworking youth in the community, dealing in fresh foods and his mysterious death created uproar, with residents suspecting foul play.
Akuze confirms that, Balikoowa did not have any known illness by either his peers or family members, and therefore asked Police to investigate the matter quickly.
Meanwhile, James Mubi, the Kiira regional police spokesperson confirms the incident adding that, homicide police personnel have documented the crime scene and taken the deceased to Jinja regional referral hospital mortuary for postmortem.
Mubi says that, exhibits of evidential value have been extracted from the crime scene and they will be taken to the government analytical laboratory for further assessments to aid investigations.
He has since called upon residents to keep calm, arguing that the Police will quickly carry out investigations and ensure justice for all the parties involved.
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