Worker Slays Boss Over Payment, Drags Wife to Chairperson's Yard Demanding Pay

KIBOGA, Uganda – Residents of Kyomya Subcounty in Kiboga District were left in shock on August 6th, 2026, when a Burundian casual labourer allegedly murdered his employer over a payment dispute and later dragged the deceased's wife to the village chairperson's home still demanding his money.

According to a statement issued by the Wamala Region Police Spokesperson, SSP L. Kigozi, the suspect identified only as Fabulisi, a Burundian national, attacked Golooba Akiram, aged 22, in his garden where the victim was preparing logs with his wife Naggawa Gloria for charcoal burning.

The suspect reportedly pulled out a panga and charged at his victim while shouting in Luganda: "Bwotampa sente zange ninkutema" — "If you don't give me my money, I will cut you."

He then cut the victim in the neck, causing him to fall down bleeding profusely. After the attack, the suspect grabbed the victim's wife, Naggawa Gloria, and dragged her to the home of the village chairperson still demanding payment for his labour.

Mr Muwonge Sulaiman, the LC1 Chairperson of Kyomya B village, reported the incident to Kyomya Subcounty Police Station. The matter was subsequently forwarded to Bukomero Police Station, and a team of detectives was dispatched to investigate.

At the scene, police found the victim's body lying face down in a pool of blood, approximately 15 meters away from the primary scene. A panga with suspected dry blood stains was also recovered as an exhibit.

According to witness statements, the suspect has been a known casual labourer for the deceased and had been residing in the village for about a year. His background as a Burundian national raised concerns about the vetting of casual workers in the area.

The suspect Fabulisi was arrested and is currently in police detention at Bukomero Police Station. Investigations into the murder case are ongoing under Bukomero CRB: 142/2026.

SSP L. Kigozi cautioned the public to be careful when hiring alien casual workers whose background is unknown in their villages. He referenced Deuteronomy 24:15 as the most appropriate way to maintain peace with workers, which advises that wages should be paid promptly and not withheld overnight.

"If it's not possible, communicate on time," the statement advised, urging employers to resolve payment disputes amicably before they escalate into violence.