Blood shed in Bududa as game rangers, residents fight over woman

Police in Bududa District are investigating circumstances under which a game ranger attached to Mt Elgon National Park shot dead one of the residents at Bufuma trading centre in Bumayoka Sub County.

According to eye witnesses, the yet-to-be identified ranger shot a man identified as Titus Mauchi Erukana, after he was attacked by angry residents on Wednesday night.

He was allegedly found in the company of one of the locals’ wife at the trading centre.
“In order to save himself from the irate residents, he cocked his gun and shot one dead, injuring another,” Mr James Shimolo, one of the residents said.

This angered the residents even further and they reiterated by killing another ranger identified as Corporal Patrick Odure.
The acting Elgon Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Robert Tukei confirmed the deaths and said investigations are ongoing.
“The game ranger shot one person dead after he was allegedly provoked by residents who attacked him in the trading centre,” he said.

He said the preliminary investigations indicate that the UWA official was attacked after he was found speaking with one of the residents’ wife.
“They reacted by stoning him and as result, he started shooting rapidly, leaving one person dead and another injured,” Mr Tukei said.

Mr Tukei said the suspect, whom he did not name, is currently on the run.

The Elgon Regional Police Commander, Mr Abraham Betongyeza, explained that the charged residents reiterated and killed another game ranger who was at the scene.
“People around charged and killed another UWA soldier who was at the scene with the suspect. It’s unfortunate because he was not the one who killed a resident,” he said.

Mr Betongyeze said Police have arrested five suspects to help with the investigations, adding that the bodies have been taken to Bududa hospital mortuary for post mortem.

The Mt Elgon Conservation area Manager, Mr Fredrick Kizza, said the incident was unfortunate, “We greatly condemn the actions of our officers and residents,” he said.

The Bududa district chairperson, Mr Wilson Watila also condemned the actions by the residents.
“It’s unfortunate that they preferred to take justice in their own hands," Mr Watila said, adding that police should do a thorough investigations into the matter.”