Body of Slain Luuka Businessman Handed over to Relatives

Police have handed over the body of George Kibande, a prominent sugarcane farmer and businessman, to his relatives for burial after completing an autopsy at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Kibande, aged 65, was fatally shot on the night of Saturday, April 26, 2025, at his home in Buyunze village, Bulongo Sub-county, Luuka District.

According to the area LC1 chairperson, Majid Isabirye, residents rushed to the scene upon hearing gunshots and found Kibande clinging to life. “He had a slow heartbeat and painful sys,” said Isabirye. “I quickly mobilized boda boda riders and we rushed him to Kiyunga Health Centre IV, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.”

Due to the lack of a functional mortuary at the facility, police advised that the body be returned home. Six officers were later dispatched to the scene to record preliminary statements from family members. A police medical team revisited the home on Sunday, April 27, to conduct an initial assessment before transferring the body to Jinja for a comprehensive post-mortem.

Busoga North Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha confirmed the autopsy was completed. “Preliminary findings indicate Kibande was shot twice — in the upper chest and shoulder. One bullet exited through the back, spreading gunpowder across vital organs, which led to their failure,” he said. “The deep, close-range wounds caused excessive bleeding, accelerating his death.”

Two cartridges were recovered at the scene and will be sent to the Government Analytical Laboratory for further examination. Kasadha urged the public to remain calm as investigations progress, assuring that more details would be shared with the family and community in due course.

Kibande’s son, who witnessed the attack, said he was bathing outside when he saw three armed men approaching the house. “I sneaked into the house through the garage, but they followed me inside and held me at gunpoint,” he recounted, requesting anonymity.

He said his father emerged after hearing him shout for help. “My dad asked if they wanted money, but one of them ordered him to straighten up and then shot him twice.” The son claims he tried to grab the assailant, whose face was visible, but was struck with a gun magazine. He suspects the attackers knew his father personally, noting that none wore masks.