79-Year-Old Rukungiri Man Murdered for Sack of Coffee

Police in Rukungiri District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder of a 79-year-old man, identified as Benard Biryomumisho.

According to ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, the deceased was last seen on the afternoon of July 5, 2025, at around 4:00 PM, heading home from the Nyarushanje trading centre. He lived alone in his house located in Kasharara Village, Ibanda Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-county, Rubabo County.

On the afternoon of July 7, 2025, at around 3:30 PM, Biryomumisho’s son, Ndyareba Boneventure, went to check on him and found his lifeless body in the bedroom. It is alleged that unknown assailants gained access to the house through the door, attacked him with a sharp object, and inflicted multiple cuts to the head, killing him instantly. The attackers reportedly fled the scene with half a sack of coffee.

Police were notified and a team, including a canine unit, responded to the scene, which was processed and documented. The body was later taken to Rwakabengo Health Centre III mortuary for a postmortem examination.

ASP Maate confirmed that investigations have commenced, and efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the suspect(s) involved in the crime.