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Police have arrested two people: a man who was last seen with the deceased in the bar, and a woman.
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By Jovita Hasto
IBANDA - Police in Ibanda District are holding two suspects in connection with the murder of a UPDF soldier attached to Bihanga Army Barracks in Kanyarugiri Town Council, Ibanda North County. Sergeant Michael Anguru, a native of Katakwi District, was brutally murdered on Mpira Street when unknown assailants stoned him. His body was later discovered dumped in a trench on September 1.
Mr. Godfrey Mbetegyereize, the Ibanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC), said the deceased met his tragic fate after spending time at a bar on Mpira Street in Ibanda Municipality. He revealed that Anguru got into a heated argument in the bar, and on his way out, attackers followed him and stoned him to death.
“It is unfortunate that we lost the life of our gallant soldier. Death can strike at any time, whether you are a soldier or an ordinary person. From the evidence we have, the assailants trailed him from the bar and stoned him to death,” Mr. Mbetegyereize said.
The RDC added that sniffer dogs were deployed to the scene where the body was recovered and they led investigators to two suspects. “Police have arrested two people: a man who was last seen with the deceased in the bar, and a woman. The dogs guided officers to the homes of the suspects, both residents of Ibanda District,” he explained.
Though it is not yet clear whether Anguru had permission to leave Bihanga Barracks, Mr. Mbetegyereize noted that police are seeking information from one of the soldier’s close friends, who regularly spent time with him whenever he visited Ibanda.
“We want this friend, also a soldier, to come forward and testify. We also urge the public to be vigilant with their lives, because life has no spare parts,” he cautioned.
Mr. Tabaro Kiconco, spokesperson for the UPDF Second Infantry Division, said the army is working closely with police to establish the circumstances surrounding Anguru’s death. “This is a serious and regrettable incident against one of our own. We shall not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Mr. Kiconco stated.
He appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by sharing any information that could help in tracking down the killers.
Sergeant Anguru is the second security officer to be killed in Ibanda within four months. In April 2025, Constable Suleiman Chemonges, attached to Bisheshe Police Station, was lynched by a mob during the burial of Razaro Kahangire in Kyembogo Cell, Karangara Ward, Bisheshe Division, Ibanda District.
Torch Media Africa
