Police in Nakasongola District have arrested four farm workers in connection with the alleged stabbing to death of a 28-year-old herdsman following a dispute overcompensation for crops reportedly destroyed by stray animals. The suspects are Ivan Musinguzi, 20, Musa Mugaya, 21, Edward Mubiru, 34, and Anthony Akanyujuka, 20. All four are farm workers in Kyalubabula Zone, Katuugo Town Council, Nakasongola District.
They are accused of killing William Gakyire, a resident of the same area, whose body was recovered from a pineapple plantation belonging to a man identified as Godfrey Paul on Friday. Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima said preliminary investigations indicate that the incident followed a dispute after animals being herded by Gakyire allegedly strayed into a farm and destroyed crops.
Twiineamazima said that on September 17, 2026, Gakyire was herding his father’s animals when they entered the farm managed by the suspects and damaged crops. The farm workers allegedly impounded the animals, prompting negotiations between the two sides. “An agreement was reportedly reached requiring the deceased’s family to pay Shs100,000 in compensation for the damaged crops,” Twiineamazima said.
However, he said Gakyire later changed his mind and, together with three other people, allegedly attempted to recover the impounded animals during the night. The attempt reportedly led to a confrontation between the group and the farm workers, during which Gakyire was allegedly stabbed.
Twiineamazima said police found the body lying on its side, fully dressed, with multiple injuries and a deep stab wound near the ear. He said bloodstains and gumboot marks at the scene suggested that a struggle had occurred, while blood trails led to the spot where the body was found.
Police documented evidence at the scene before removing the body, which was taken to Nakasongola Health Centre IV for postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death and document the injuries. Twiineamazima said the four suspects were arrested in connection with the killing and allegedly confessed to their involvement during questioning.
Police also recovered several weapons allegedly linked to the incident and submitted them for forensic analysis. The suspects are currently being held at Nakasongola Central Police Station as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Gakyire’s death-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
