Following the arrest of the primary suspect and four accomplices in Swaibu Katongole’s murder, the Kiira Regional Police Command has received widespread praise for its prompt and effective justice system.
This tragic event occurred on December 10, 2024, in Jinja City.
The arrest of the suspects has provided relief to the bereaved family and Jinja residents, who had been dealing with the shock and grief of the unlawful killing.
Katongole, 60, was a Jinja City resident. He was tragically murdered at his home on Lubogo Road around 11 p.m. that fateful evening. The brutal killing sent shockwaves through the community, leaving the family and the larger Jinja population devastated and terrified.
Despite the gravity of the crime, the strength of the local justice system meant that the suspects could only evade capture for a short time.
Following thorough investigations, Kiira Regional Police PRO, SP James Mubi, confirmed the arrest of five people in connection with the murder.
Sedrick Lukwago, 21, a casual worker at Katongole’s home, is the prime suspect. Lukwago, who confessed to the crime, said he killed Katongole on the night of December 10 with a piece of cloth and a sharp stick.
Lukwago explained that he intercepted Katongole at the gate of his residence, tied a cloth around his neck, and struck him on the head, causing his immediate death.
After committing the murder, Lukwago fled to Lugazi municipality in Buikwe district, where he hid for a period before relocating to Nakaseke district, where he worked as a storeman at a stone quarry.
His brother, Emmanuel Lukwago, and their father were also employed at the quarry.
Due to the relentless pursuit of the prime suspect, Lukwago was eventually tracked down and arrested, alongside his brother, Emmanuel Lukwago. The police discovered that Sedrick had handed over exhibits of evidential value to his brother, who had attempted to deliver them to their mother in Sironko district.
The Kiira Regional Police intelligence team and detectives subsequently recovered these items, which had been taken from the crime scene.
The investigation also revealed a history of conflict between the deceased and the prime suspect. Lukwago had reportedly accused Katongole of influencing the decision to terminate his services due to incompetence, indiscipline, and an ongoing lack of remorse.
Lukwago had allegedly threatened to take matters into his own hands, vowing to “deal with” Katongole.
Three additional suspects: Robert Kyagulanyi, 23, Denis Ssempebwa, 19, and Bernard Mukasa, a boda boda rider have also been arrested in connection with the crime. Kyagulanyi and Ssempebwa were employed by Katongole’s wife in their restaurant business in Jinja City.
Advanced forensic technology has confirmed that all five suspects were present at the scene of the crime.
The Kiira Regional Police’s handling of the case has been praised for its effectiveness and the successful use of technology and investigative strategies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
SSP Monday Johnson Agaba, the Regional CID, emphasized the importance of the rule of law and urged the public to support efforts to address both criminal and civil issues within the context of constitutionalism.
“The long arm of the law will deal with all the daredevils intending to threaten public safety and security,” Agaba said.
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