
RUKUNGIRI.
Police in the western district of Rukungiri are investigating circumstances which a couple was burnt to death inside their home under mysterious circumstances.
Police have identified the deceased as Isaac Byamukama, 30, a boda boda rider, and his wife Christine Akatuhurira, 27 -both residents of Ncerere Village, Kabinga Parish in Buhunga Sub-county. The tragedy occurred Saturday morning.
Preliminary police findings reveal that the blaze may have been deliberately set, as the couple was found locked inside their bedroom with no means of escape.
“It’s a barbaric act of malicious criminality,” Elly Maate, police spokesperson for the Kigezi Region said ,adding “We are treating this as a suspected case of arson and murder. Investigations are ongoing.”
According to Mr Lawrence Kaganga, the area chairperson, he received a call around 11:00 a.m. from a resident, Kariisa, who reported heavy smoke coming from the couple’s home.
“The front door was locked. When we tried calling their phones, both were switched off,” Mr Kaganga told reporters.
“We broke in through a wooden side fence. The back door was open, but the bedroom door was locked from the outside,” he added.
Despite efforts to rescue them, the couple was found dead, with their bodies severely burnt and all belongings in the room reduced to ash.
Police officers later arrived at the scene, documented evidence, recorded statements from witnesses, and transported the bodies to Rwakabengo Health Centre III for postmortem examination.
No arrests had been made as of Sunday evening , but police have pledged to get to the bottom of this cruel act .
“We call upon anyone with information to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be key to identifying the suspects,” Mr Maate said.