Kazo District Faces 14th Murder in 3 Months as Fear Grips Residents

Kazo, 4 October 2026 — Residents of Kazo District are demanding stronger protection after the killing of Amos Nuwagira, a veterinary practitioner, pushed the district’s murder toll to 14 cases between July and September 2026.

Nuwagira, reported as about 35, was found dead in his bedroom at Bwizi A Cell, Kijooha Ward, Buremba Town Council, on Saturday morning. Rwizi Region police spokesperson Samson Kasasira said the attack happened on Friday night and was reported at Buremba Police Station at about 7 a.m.

Police said his wife, Bahikire Winnie, had left home at about 9:30 p.m. for night prayers, leaving him with their eight-year-old daughter. Investigators found no signs of forced entry and said the doors may have been left unlocked because he expected his wife to return. A motorcycle, a television set, a solar battery, Shs800,000 in cash and a smartphone were stolen. Kasasira said the body was taken to Ruhooko Hospital for a postmortem. No arrests had been made by Saturday evening, and a manhunt was under way.

Local accounts described the victim as Dr Amos Nuwagira and said he was hit by unknown assailants. Some reports placed the attack while he was on his motorcycle. Police have not publicly reconciled those accounts.

Kazo County MP Dan Kimosho announced the death and called for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to reinforce police. “At this rate UPDF should reinforce police. This is too much and it seems getting out of hand. The people of Kazo deserve protection from the state. How many more people should be killed for serious action to be taken?” he wrote on X.

The Uganda Police Force says the 14 cases are concentrated in Nkungu, Buremba, Kanoni and Ngari sub-counties. In most incidents, victims were struck on the head with blunt objects. Police say prime suspects have been arrested in some cases, but the suspects and their alleged accomplices differ from one incident to another. There is no single publicly established culprit or motive linking all 14 deaths.

On 29 September, Kimosho told Parliament that 10 people had been killed in his constituency between 17 August and 27 September, six of them with hammers. Others were slaughtered or strangled. He said women and young children were being targeted, and that residents were “sleepless” and “very uncomfortable.” He asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to hold a high-level meeting in the area and called for compensation for bereaved families. Second Deputy Prime Minister Crispus Kiyonga offered condolences, said he expected burial assistance, and urged residents to work with security agencies.

One of the cases already under investigation is the 25 September attack at Kagasha 1 Cell, Nkungu Parish. Ntegyerize Afusa, 47, and two children, Tumuramye Sudais, 14, and Nuwandinda Asifa, 11, were killed. Two other children, Nagasha Zulaika, 16, and Nuwahereza Aramazani, 13, were seriously injured. Police said the assailants were acting on information that Afusa had about Shs1.5 million in her room, entered through an unsecured back door, and used a hammer, panga and walking stick. A sniffer dog led detectives to Nuwamanya Christopher, who was arrested. Later reports said three suspects had been held.

On 27 September, Kimosho also reported the killing of a 17-year-old girl at Mpuga Cell, Kabingo Parish, Buremba Sub-county. He said she was sexually assaulted before she was killed and that about Shs2 million was taken. At that point he put the local toll at 11 deaths in two months.

On 30 September, police, political and administrative leaders, intelligence officers and community actors met at St. Catherine Secondary School in Kazo Municipality. Kimosho attended with the Resident District Commissioner, the District Internal Security Officer, district leaders and the Rwizi Regional Police Commander. The meeting reviewed crime patterns, operational gaps and intelligence-led policing. Police resolved to intensify community policing and Neighbourhood Watch programmes, and to tighten information-sharing with local leaders. Authorities are also examining robbery, domestic disputes, land conflicts, drug abuse, illegal gambling and repeat offenders as possible drivers.

Nuwagira’s death came days after that meeting, which is why leaders say statements alone will not restore confidence. Police say investigations continue and that security will be stepped up in the named hotspots. Residents and their MP are still waiting for visible reinforcement and clearer updates on who is responsible.