Kanungu – Police in Kanungu District are investigating circumstances under which a worker chopped off his boss’s hand in a violent confrontation of alleged charcoal theft.
The Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate confirmed the incident identifying the victim as Eriabu Aineplani, a resident of Omukibaare Village in Kayungwe Sub-county in Kanungu district.
In a statement, Asp Maate said preliminary reports indicate that the suspect, one only identified as Brian has been working as a casual laborer for the victim, mainly burning charcoal.
Asp Maate added that it is alleged that the victim had received repeated complaints about theft of his charcoal, reportedly involving the suspect.
‘’ On Saturday, April 18, 2026, at around 1:00 PM, Aineplani reportedly went to the work site to question Brian about the alleged theft in the presence of other workers and during the confrontation, the suspect allegedly turned violent, wielding a sharp panga and attempting to attack the victim’’ Asp Maate said in a statement.
In an effort to defend himself , Aineplani raised his hand, which was brutally cut off in the process.
The incident was reported at Nyakabungo Police Station by the area chairperson, Frank Turinawe.
‘’ As Police we visited the scene, recorded statements from eyewitnesses, and recovered the suspected weapon, a panga, which has been taken in as evidence’’. Asp Maate added in a statement.
The victim was rushed to Kambuga Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
‘’ Am urging the public to support us in tracing the whereabouts of the suspect because we launched a manhunt for the suspect’’. Asp Maate noted in a statement.
A case of attempted murder has been registered at Nyakabungo Police Station under reference SD REF 04118/04/2026 and investigations into the matter continue.
