Police caution landlords to verify tenants’ backgrounds after fatal incident in Masindi
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Masindi: Police in the Albertine North Region have issued a warning to landlords, urging them to always obtain introductory letters from local leaders for any new tenants.
This comes in the wake of a violent incident in Kirasa 3 Cell, Central Division of Masindi Municipality, where a tenant attacked his landlord, ultimately resulting in a fatal mob justice incident over the weekend.
According to authorities, the suspect who was only known by the nickname “Landlord” allegedly attacked Sam Byabasaija, the actual landlord, late at night. Byabasaija, who was reportedly stepping outside to ease himself, raised an alarm after being attacked, drawing the attention of neighbors who responded and lynched the suspect.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday evening, ACP Damalie Nachuha, the Regional Police Commander for Albertine North, expressed concern that both the landlord and the area LC1 chairperson did not have any official records or personal details about the suspect. He had only lived in the rental unit for five months.
ACP Nachuha emphasized the importance of due diligence, urging landlords to always gather full particulars of prospective tenants, conduct background checks, and require official introductory letters from their previous area chairpersons. She noted that knowing a tenant’s origin and history is essential for community safety.
She also revealed that the motive behind the attack may have been related to money. Prior to the incident, Byabasaija had reportedly handed money to his children in the presence of the suspect, possibly triggering the fatal confrontation.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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