Two arrested over Buvuma pastor's murder

Police in Buvuma District have arrested two men for allegedly killing a pastor who had gone missing.

Noer Nabende, a pastor at Jesus of Grace church in Kitamiro village Buvuma District, reportedly disappeared on January 13, 2020.

"He had gone fishing at Tome Island. He left home with his fishing gear and did not return," Rogers Ntege, a resident of Kitamiro village said.

Nabende’s body was later found floating in Lake Victoria by other fishermen. The body had injuries indicating that he was tortured before he was killed.

Ms Hellen Butoto, the Sseziwa Regional Police Spokesperson confirmed that two men are in police custody in connection with the pastor’s murder.

One of the deceased’s relatives only identified as Sarah said the pastor always goes to fish to supplement his income

Buvuma Deputy Deputy RDC Juma Kigongo said the suspects were arrested after police found the deceased’s fishing gear and other items in their homes during a search.

“We carried out a search after getting a rumour that these two attacked the pastor at the island and we found the deceased's fishing gear in their house," Mr Kigongo said.

Mr Kigongo said one of the suspects is an ex-convict who had been charged in Mukono Court and jailed in Luzira for three years.

He added that the suspects are known for theft at the landing site and normally connive with their local council one chairman who also gets a share of what they steal.

“These two are not authorised to carry out an activities at the island but they torture fishermen and steal fish and money. As security officials we shall hold a security committee meeting to see that we sensitise people," he said.
He noted that four people were killed last year in a similar manner at the island.