By Uziah Tusaasire
Police in Kanungu District have launched investigations into a suspected arson incident that claimed the life of a former Local Council I (LC1) chairperson aspirant and destroyed property worth millions of shillings.
The deceased has been identified as Byakurama Justus, 61, a former LC1 chairperson and resident of Bikomero Village, Katungu Parish, Rugyeyo Sub-county, Kanungu District.
According to the Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, preliminary investigations indicate that Byakurama had participated in the LC1 elections held on Tuesday but lost the race. Police say that after the election results, he returned home with his family members.
At around 11:30 p.m., a fire reportedly broke out in the family’s kitchen before rapidly spreading to the main house. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, but police are treating the incident as suspected arson.
Byakurama and his family members attempted to extinguish the flames, but the fire was too intense. In the process, he sustained severe burns, while several household items worth millions of shillings were destroyed.
He was rushed to Kambuga Hospital for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead shortly after being admitted. Information about the condition of other family members who were involved in trying to contain the fire has not yet been released.
Police have since visited the scene and commenced investigations to establish the cause of the fire and identify those responsible if foul play is confirmed.
Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime said inquiries are ongoing and urged members of the public to remain calm as detectives gather evidence surrounding the incident.
