Police Investigate Killing of Six-Year-Old in Rukungiri

Police in Rukungiri are investigating the death of a six-year-old boy, Stephen Ayebare, a pupil at Rubanga Primary School and resident of Kishonga Upper Cell, Rubanga North, Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District.

The child was allegedly killed by his cousin, Anthony Begumisa, 32. Begumisa also critically injured his brother, Ahimbisibwe Laborman, who had attempted to rescue the child.

According to reports, on September 1, 2025, at around 8:00 p.m., one Kyarimpa Gift was plaiting hair at her local salon when her brother, Begumisa, who was resting in a nearby bedroom, asked them to stop making noise.

She and another brother, Kiiza, stepped outside to the compound before moving to the kitchen to prepare supper. Shortly after, they heard a door open, followed by the loud cries of Ayebare.

When they rushed to check, they allegedly saw Begumisa attacking the child with a panga. An alarm was raised, drawing the attention of area chairperson Kakunya Innocent, who mobilised residents to the scene. They found Begumisa had locked himself inside the house and was threatening to kill anyone who tried to arrest him, brandishing a power saw.

Residents eventually forced the door open. When Ahimbisibwe Laborman attempted to calm him, Begumisa allegedly turned on him and cut him severely. The suspect was eventually overpowered and arrested, while the victims were rushed to Nyakibale Hospital, where Ayebare was pronounced dead at around 3:00 a.m. on September 2.

Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed that a case of murder was reported at Buyanja Police Station. The scene was examined and documented, eyewitness statements recorded, and exhibits including a panga and a power saw recovered.

The suspect is in custody as investigations continue to establish the motive.