Woman Stoned to Death, Residents Rampage , police officer injured

Enraged by the killing, a mob of locals descended upon the house of the alleged youth.

In a fit of collective rage, they destroyed property, unroofed the house, and cut down banana plantains—a culturally significant act often associated with the complete rejection of an individual from the community.

 

MBALE CITY – A tranquil morning in Nabuyonga Ward, Northern City Division, turned into a scene of horror and violent fury as residents discovered that one of their own, Aisha Namasaba, had been stoned to death by suspected drug addicts in a botched robbery attempt.

The tragic incident, which has exposed deep-seated frustrations over rampant drug abuse and crime, quickly spiralled into a riotous uprising as the community turned its anger on the alleged perpetrators, leading to significant property destruction and a violent confrontation with police.

According to accounts from locals, the events unfolded in the early hours of the morning. A group of youth, known to the community as habitual drug users, were attempting to rob an individual in the area. During the altercation, Aisha Namasaba, a resident who was presumably at the scene or intervened, was fatally struck with stones.

Yusufu the alleged killer of Aisha

She was rushed to a nearby health centre but was pronounced dead on arrival. The news of her senseless killing spread rapidly, acting as a catalyst for the community's pent-up anger over what they describe as a deteriorating security situation.

Enraged by the killing, a mob of locals descended upon the house of the alleged youth. In a fit of collective rage, they destroyed property, unroofed the house, and cut down banana plantains—a culturally significant act often associated with the complete rejection of an individual from the community.

"We are living in fear every day," said Mariam Nambozo, a local shopkeeper  "These young men terrorise us, snatching phones and money in broad daylight. We have complained, but no one seems to listen. Today, they have taken a life. Our anger is beyond control."

Police were called to the scene to rescue the two boys, who were reported to be hiding inside the house during the rampage. The situation escalated rapidly as officers deployed tear gas and, according to witnesses, live bullets to disperse the violent crowd.

In the chaotic melee, a police officer was accidentally hit in the face by a tear gas canister, resulting in a severe injury that "blew off his chin," according to sources at the scene.

Many residents expressed a bitter sentiment that the violence could have been prevented, placing blame on the police for not heeding earlier warnings.

The incident has ignited a fierce debate about the scourge of drug abuse among the youth in Mbale City and the role of parents.

Hussein Mutebi, a boda boda rider in the area, confirmed the widespread nature of the problem. "It is not just here in Nabuyonga. Most of the youth in Mbale city are using drugs. This has resulted in the insecurity we see. They have no fear and no respect for life because their minds are altered."

Abudu Karim Makawa, the Local Defence Chairman for the area, placed the blame squarely on parents. "The parents of these youth have decided not to discipline their kids. They are always defending the bad acts of their children, making excuses for them. When a child is caught stealing, the parent fights the accuser instead of correcting the child. We are now reaping the consequences of this negligence."

The Police Spokesperson for the Elgon region, SP Rogers Taitika, confirmed the incident. "We can confirm the death of one person, Aisha Namasaba, and the arrest of two suspects in connection with her death," SP Taitika stated. "We also regret to confirm that one of our officers sustained serious injuries during the process of calming the violent mob. An investigation is ongoing."

As the two suspects remain in custody, the community of Nabuyonga is left to mourn Aisha Namasaba and grapple with the deep-seated issues of drugs, crime, and a broken trust between them and the authorities meant to protect them. The unroofed house and felled banana plants stand as a stark monument to a community pushed to the brink.

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