At least eight people have been confirmed dead and eight others hospitalized with severe injuries after being attacked by unknown assailants on Tuesday evening in Kagadi District, Western Uganda, according to police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Preliminary information suggests that members of a newly identified cult, whose name is still unknown, attacked individuals, many of whom were family members, using sharp objects. This assault resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Maj. Billal Katamba, the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa public information officer, stated that UPDF, police, and the Internal Security Organization (ISO) are actively searching for the culprits as investigations continue.
The Albertine region police spokesperson, SP Julius Allan Hakiza, identified the deceased victims as Boniface Rogers Nyirambe, Yokononia Isakara (76), Kabuwere Norah (64), Praise Muhindo (7), Anitah Kabugho (44), Masika Kabagenyi (3), Baluku Ferdinandi (13), and Olive Kabugo (13).
Eight others were admitted to various clinics in Kyaterekera following the attack. A joint team of police officers, led by DPC Kagadi Ampurira Kenneth, and military personnel responded to the incident.
Additionally, two suspects, Baguma Obedi (33) and David Munyirambe (36), were killed while attempting to attack security forces. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could help in bringing the perpetrators to justice.