Four men arrested for killing their sister over land dispute

Police in Rukiga District, Southwestern Uganda, are investigating an incident where four family members are accused of assaulting their sister to death.

41-year-old Christine Kiconco was reportedly killed by her brothers - namely Innocent Tumwekwase, Samuel Atuhirwe, Christopher Bikorwomuhangi and Justus Mayumba - over land wrangles.

Kigezi region police spokesperson Elly Maate says preliminary investigations have shown the family has had a protracted land dispute that was inherited from their ancestors.

“It's alleged that the family of the deceased has been having domestic issues originating from land that was divided amongst the children by their father Selestino Byaruhanga,” Maate said.

Maate added: “The boys immediately sold off their shares and started claiming the part that was given to girls and since then, they have been threatening the deceased."

How the murder was executed

It is reported that the deceased had a habit of coming home drunk and shouting how her brothers had sold all their land shares and were now demanding hers.

On the fateful day (March 24), she returned home drunk at about 8 pm and did the usual insults. It is at this point that police suspect the brothers descended on their sister, assaulting her to death.

"The police sniffer dog was introduced to the scene and led the investigating officers to the suspects’ homes hence their arrest. A case of murder by assault has been recorded at Rukiga Police Station," Maate concluded.