Three prime suspects reconstruct student murder scene at Makerere

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Security agencies yesterday took three suspects to Makerere University to reconstruct the murder scene of Uganda Christian University law student, Bewatte Betungura, during the chaotic guild campaigns.

The Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and Crime Intelligence (CI) deployed on routes leading to the guild canteen, basketball court and Nsibirwa hall of residence as the trio reconstructed the scene where Betungura was stabbed with a broken bottle and later died as a result of excessive bleeding.

During the scene reconstruction, the three suspects were handcuffed separately and were each being guided by detectives and operatives. The trio’s scene reconstruction took about an hour and they were later driven back in a Toyota Hiace.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said the suspects who were made to reconstruct the scene are highly linked to Betungura’s murder. According to Enanga, security decided to take the suspects whose names have been concealed to reconstruct the scene after being thoroughly interrogated and revealing details how Betungura was murdered.

“We have three suspects who are highly linked to that murder. The suspects led us after interrogating them. They reconstructed the scene and explained the role they played in the murder,” Enanga said.

Betungura according to security, met his death during clashes between the Northcourt Revolutionary Brigade (NRA) that was guarding Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) guild candidate Justus Tukamushaba and Rat Guard Brigade (RGB) that was guarding National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Alionz Lawrence alias Dangote.

Although security agencies developed a list of 12 suspects which later grew to 15 after watching the phone videos and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, CMI and CI zeroed on three people who were allegedly leading NUP brigade while holding sticks, batons and one had something that looked like a knife.

In total, eight people have been arrested in connection with Betungura’s murdere. But five including NUP MP for Kassanda South Frank Kabuye have been released on bond. The released suspects face charges of inciting violence. But the trio that reconstructed the scene has been slapped with murder charges.

A few days ago, former Makerere guild president Julius Kateregga said they were in hiding since information was not clear on who exactly security wanted as a suspect in Betungura’s murder. NUP City Hall, Central and Kawempe division councilors are some of the people in hiding fearing to be netted by security.

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