Ibanda Local Defence Secretary Beheaded in Gruesome Attack

What the report says

Police in Ibanda District are investigating the killing of Jackson Gumisiriza, a longtime local leader and LC1 Defence Secretary for Nyabigoye 2 Cell in Bihanga Parish, Nyamarebe Sub-county. According to Nile Post, his body was found at his home after an attack in which his head had been dumped some distance away. The report says he was assaulted on Saturday evening as he returned from Nyabigoye trading centre.

Local leaders said Gumisiriza had served in the role for about 40 years. The LC1 chairperson for Nyabigoye Cell, Barigye Amos, said attackers allegedly ambushed him at his gate before killing him and fleeing. His younger brother reportedly discovered the body the next morning after checking on him because he knew Gumisiriza had been unwell.

Residents later arrested four suspects and handed them to police. Barigye said the suspects are relatives of the deceased, though the motive is still unknown. Ibanda Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyereize praised residents for avoiding mob justice and said the incident had raised security concerns in the area.

The newspaper reported that Nyabigoye Cell has been described as a “black zone” because of increasing insecurity. More broadly, the case underscores concerns about violent crime and local security in rural communities, while police continue their investigation.