Crime
Bar owner arrested over suspected murder of 18 year old man
Police in the Kiira region have arrested James Mulopa, a local bar owner in the Kalamoya zone of Buwenge town council, Jinja district, on suspicion of murder.
The arrest comes in the wake of the death of 18-year-old Zubair Balikoowa, who collapsed and died in Mulopa’s bar on Monday night.
Balikoowa’s sudden death sparked anger among residents, prompting them to converge on the bar to demand answers from Mulopa and his staff.
The situation escalated into chaos as the enraged crowd attempted to vandalize Mulopa’s business, prompting him to seek refuge in his home, located 50 meters away. The mob followed him, attempting to set fire to his house. However, police intervened, dispersing the crowd and apprehending Mulopa.
Mulopa is currently held at Buwenge Central Police Station on suspicion of murder by poisoning.
David Akuze, the local L.C.1 chairperson, described Balikoowa as a respected and hardworking youth within the community, primarily engaged in selling fresh produce. His untimely death raised suspicions of foul play among residents, as Balikoowa had no prior known illnesses, according to both peers and family members. Akuze urged the police to swiftly investigate the matter.
James Mubi, spokesperson for the Kiira regional police, confirmed the incident, stating that homicide investigators had secured the crime scene and transferred the deceased to the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Mubi revealed that items of potential evidential value had been collected from the scene and would undergo further analysis at the government analytical laboratory to aid in the investigation process.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that the police would conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice for all parties involved.
