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Police Arrest Five Key Suspects in the Murder of Jinja Businessman

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Police Arrest Five Key Suspects in the Murder of Jinja Businessman
A man in handcuffs

Following a month-long investigation, five key suspects were arrested on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in connection with Katongole's tragic death on December 10, 2024.

Kiira regional police, under the command of SSP Charles Nsaba, have made a major breakthrough in the murder case of Jinja businessman Swaibu Katongole, the 60-year-old owner of Kubirima, a popular eatery in Jinja.

Following a month-long investigation, five key suspects were arrested on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in connection with Katongole's tragic death on December 10, 2024.

The murder occurred at the gate of Katongole's home on Lubogo Road in Jinja City. The suspects include the prime offender, 21-year-old Sedrick Lukwago, a former casual laborer at Katongole’s home.

He was arrested alongside four accomplices: Emmanuel Lukwago, his brother; 23-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi; 19-year-old Denis Ssempebwa; and Bernard Mukasa, a boda-boda rider.

SP James Mubi, Kiira regional police spokesperson, confirmed that the murder was premeditated and involved a conspiracy among the suspects.

"The prime suspect confessed to killing his boss with a piece of cloth and a sharp stick after conspiring with his colleagues," Mubi said.

According to reports, Lukwago had a longstanding grudge against Katongole after being dismissed from his job as a shamba boy.

The dismissal was allegedly due to incompetence, indiscipline, and threats of violence against Katongole. Lukwago reportedly blamed the businessman for influencing his wife’s decision to end his employment.

After committing the crime, Lukwago went into hiding, first in Lugazi Municipality, Buikwe District, and later in Nakaseke District, where he worked as a store manager at a quarry owned by Abubaker Technical Services.

The breakthrough in the case came with the use of advanced forensic technology, which linked the suspects to the crime scene.

"Exhibits of evidential value, taken by the prime suspect, were recovered from his brother and traced to their mother’s home in Sironko District," Mubi explained.

The recovered items, combined with forensic evidence, strongly implicated all five suspects in the murder.

SSP Johnson Monday, Regional CID officer, commended the role of forensic technology in solving the case.

“We are committed to using every available tool to ensure justice is served,” he stated.

The arrests have brought a sense of relief to the Jinja community, which had been shaken by the brutal murder.

Residents have praised the police for their swift and professional response to the case.

"This breakthrough is a reassuring reminder that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those who commit crimes," a community member remarked.

Police have called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent and solve crimes.

“Together, we can build a safer and more just society,” SSP Nsaba emphasized.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, and the police prepare to present the case in court.

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