Gang Attacks MP Mwijukye, TV West Journalist in Church over Land Wrangle

Buhweju County Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Mwijukye and Juliet Kyarisima, a journalist with Vision Group, are recuperating from injuries sustained during a dispute over land in Buhweju district.

The altercation occurred at Rwanyamabare village, Omuhambo Kyakatungu parish, Buhweju district, where Mwijukye and Kyarisima were attacked on Sunday while attending Sunday Mass at Rwanyamabare Catholic Church.

According to Deo Atuhaire, the Buhweju district chairperson, Mwijukye was assaulted by a group of “land grabbers” armed with machetes, sticks, and stones. He was struck on the head by stones, resulting in injuries. Atuhaire explained that the attack happened while Mwijukye was addressing members of Rwanyamabare Catholic Church, who accused their neighbor, Edwin Burimbare, of encroaching on their land.

During the altercation, seven other individuals sustained severe injuries and were admitted to Nsiika Health Center IV. Halson Kagure, Head of Communications at Mbarara Referral Hospital, confirmed Mwijukye’s admission, saying he had undergone a CT scan.   However, Mwijukye requested discharge and sought medical attention elsewhere.

Kyarisima, the TV West journalist, sustained minor injuries, but her equipment, including a camera and laptop, was damaged. Edwin Burimbare, a city lawyer accused of land grabbing, denied the allegations and accused Mwijukye of orchestrating the attack.

The Burimbare family claims ownership of the disputed land, dating back in history. As of now, the police in Greater Bushenyi have not yet commented on the incident. Efforts to reach Mwijukye for comment were unsuccessful as his phones were switched off.

*Source – URN*

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