Up to 21 people were murdered across the country on Christmas Day, majority of them in bar brawls despite the closure of bars as per covid-19 directives to curb coronavirus spread in Uganda.
Several other victims of murder during the festive season were waylaid and killed late in the night as they returned from drinking joints, according to records released on Monday afternoon by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID).
According to the records, those who died in drinking spots include Christopher Mande who was allegedly beaten to death by Steven Bukenya and Joseph Waiswa at Nnalongo bar in Luwero District, Central region while Prosper Niwandinda in Rubanda District in the South Western part of the country.
Christopher Mande’s death followed a quarrel while Prosper was beaten to death after he got drunk and threatened to burn a house.
In Maddu, Gomba District also in Central reguon, a one Gilbert Turyakira was beaten to death by Fred Nsairwe after a misunderstanding inside a bar. Quoting detectives, Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, said that preliminary findings show that Turyakira was hit with a door handle on the head and he died on spot.
Away from bars, a number of other people were killed in domestic fights. Irene Naliba was allegedly strangled by a boyfriend only identified as Babu who accused her of cheating on him. Babu is on the run being hunted by police.
Other deaths recorded on Christmas Day include Sentekora Gaad, who was choked by food during an eating competition organized at Kibimbiri Village, Rukiga sub region. Enanga said Police are currently hunting for the organizer of the competition who allegedly failed to notify the police and prepare a medical team to respond to eventualities.
Other four people died by committing suicide because their spouses left their homes during Christmas days. These include Tumuhimbise Stella a resident of the Rubanda District and Waiswa Kayerera.
Police say, the four who committed suicide initially had misunderstandings with their spouses.
Most Ugandans lack patience.