Unknown assailants have killed the Local Council I (LCI) Chairperson of Kamugole village, Nkoko Sub-county, Kakumiro District, in a machete attack.
The deceased, identified as 58-year-old Benon Byaruhanga, was attacked on Tuesday night at around 11 p.m. while riding his motorcycle (registration UEC 918Z Bajaj) home from Kamugole Trading Center. The assailants, reportedly five in number, waylaid him and fled the scene with his motorcycle.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, noting that preliminary investigations indicate the attack was premeditated. Detectives have been deployed to the area to investigate the murder.
Byaruhanga’s body was retrieved from the scene and taken to Kakumiro Health Center IV mortuary, where it is currently awaiting post-mortem examination.
Besigye and Lutale Challenge UPDF Amendment Act at Constitutional Court
Veteran political figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale have filed a petition in the Constitutional Court seeking to nullify the UPDF Amendment Act, arguing that it violates multiple provisions of the Constitution.
Their legal team, led by lawyer Elias Lukwago, stated that they received information about alleged plans to transfer cases already filed in civilian courts to the General Court Martial—a move they claim would undermine due process and the authority of ordinary courts.
The petition follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling on January 31, 2025, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
In response, the government introduced and passed the UPDF Amendment Act 2025, signed by the President in mid-2025, which restored the trial of civilians in the Court Martial under certain conditions.
The General Court Martial officially resumed operations in early 2026, with Brig. Gen. Richard Tukachungurwa sworn in as its new head on January 7.
However, its reinstatement continues to face legal challenges from opposition groups, including the National Unity Platform, which has also petitioned the Constitutional Court to nullify the 2025 amendments.
Lukwago emphasized that Parliament did not follow the required constitutional procedures in passing the law, further challenging its legality.
By Our Reporter
11th Feb 2026
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