The High Court in Iganga District has convicted and sentenced eight people to death for the murder of two fishermen in a mob justice incident in Namayingo District.
The eight—Odongo Misaki, Karoli Lwanga, Musoke Yakuti, Kabwiso Mairadi, Talisuna Muzaham, Wandera Karim, Wasire Pius and Latifu Nyanga—were convicted on two counts of murder by Justice David Batema on October 7, 2026.
The case was prosecuted by Jonathan Tumushime, a State Attorney attached to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Iganga.
Prosecution told court that on August 19, 2024, at Bukewa Central Village, Bukewa Parish, Buhemba Sub-county in Namayingo District, the eight accused persons and others still at large participated in the killing of Bagume Robert and Okech Moses.
The two men had reportedly gone fishing on Lake Victoria when they were intercepted over allegations of theft.
According to the prosecution, their hands were tied behind their backs before they were taken to the home of Misaki, who was the Local Council One chairperson of Bukewa Central Zone.
The two were subsequently assaulted by a mob and died from traumatic brain injuries.
The prosecution relied on identification evidence from a witness who identified all eight accused persons in court.
The witness identified Misaki as the LC1 chairperson of Bukewa Central Village and Karoli Lwanga, Musoke Yakuti and Latifu Nyanga as village mates. He also identified Kabwiso Mairadi, Talisuna Muzaham, Wandera Karim and Wasire Pius.
The witness told court that several of the accused persons went to the lakeshore on the material day, where Bagume and Okech had been fishing.
The ODPP said the convictions and death sentences reaffirm its commitment to holding accountable people who participate in mob justice and unlawful killings, while upholding the rule of law and the right to life.
