The former Local Council I (LCI) chairperson in Kanungu district has died after sustaining severe burns in a house fire following Tuesday’s village elections.
The deceased, Justus Byakurama, 61, a former LCI chairperson of Bikomero village in Katungu parish, lost the election to Precious Tweheireyo Kinumi. Official results showed Kinumi polling 138 votes against Byakurama’s 47.
According to reports, Byakurama returned home with his family shortly after the election results were announced. Later that evening, Kinumi, who is also Byakurama’s neighbour, reportedly lit a celebratory fire after his victory.
Residents say that at about 11:00 pm, the fire spread and engulfed Byakurama’s kitchen before extending to the main house.
Moses Tugumisirize, a resident of the area, said Byakurama and his family woke up and attempted to put out the flames. During the rescue effort, Byakurama sustained severe burns.
He was rushed to Kambuga hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. Kigezi regional police spokesperson Elly Maate said Byakurama’s body had been taken to Kambuga Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Maate said police have opened investigations into the incident and are hunting for the suspected arsonists. Police are yet to establish the exact cause of the fire and whether it was directly linked to the election celebrations. Investigations are ongoing.