Man Lynched in Rukungiri After Domestic Dispute Turns Violent
Rukungiri District, Uganda — Police in Rukungiri are investigating the circumstances under which a 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted to death by his in-laws following a long-standing domestic dispute.
The deceased, Vian Ainembabazi, a resident of Omutaba Village in Rubanda District, died on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at around 12:45 pm in Nyamabale Village, Nyakishenyi Sub County.
According to preliminary police findings, Ainembabazi had been experiencing domestic misunderstandings with his wife, Rita Kadugara, which prompted her to return to her parents’ home in Rukungiri last month. Her decision reportedly angered Ainembabazi, who allegedly made several hostile visits to her family’s residence.
Police report that Ainembabazi repeatedly confronted his wife and in-laws, and at one point threw clothes belonging to his father-in-law, Kadugara Justus, into a pit latrine. It is also alleged that he stole seven iron sheets from the family—incidents that were reportedly filed with the local chairperson of Nyamabale Village and communicated to authorities in Rubanda.
On the day of the incident, police say Ainembabazi again attacked the home of his in-laws, prompting the sons of Kadugara to pursue him. The chase allegedly continued up to Kafunjo Hill, where he was assaulted and fatally lynched.
The matter was later reported to Nyakishenyi Police Station by a witness, Ndyahebwa Anthony, who had observed the confrontation.
A team from Nyakishenyi Police visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from witnesses, and transported the body to Rwakabengo Health Centre III mortuary for postmortem examination.
Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson ASP Maate Elly confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing.
“Inquiries are underway, and efforts to have the suspects arrested for questioning are being made,” he said.
The incident has stirred tension within both families and the wider community, as police work to piece together the events leading to the violent death.
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