Mayuge, Uganda – Police in Mayuge District have arrested three individuals to assist in the investigation of a brutal shooting incident that left nine family members shot, resulting in five deaths and several injuries.

The tragic event occurred on Saturday night in Namatare Village, Buwaaya Sub-county, and is believed to be fueled by ongoing land disputes among family members. Initial reports suggest that a relative and a soldier were responsible for the attack.

The shooting claimed the lives of the father, Isaac Buyinza Mudasi, and his three children, with another child succumbing to injuries later, raising the death toll to five. The mother and four other family members are currently receiving treatment for severe injuries.

On Monday, Busoga East police spokesperson SSP Diana Nandawula confirmed the arrests of three suspects related to the deceased family.

“We have so far arrested three people to assist us with investigating the incident of shooting at one of the families in Mayuge, and the hunt for the prime suspect is on,” SSP Nandawula stated.

The suspects have been identified as Tagoba Patrick, a brother of the deceased, his son Mudasi Sharif, and his wife Kalungi Grace. Reports indicate they had previously threatened the family.

Nandawula says police are collaborating with other security agencies to apprehend the alleged UPDF soldier suspected to have carried out the shooting.

“We have teamed up with other security agencies to apprehend the prime suspect in this matter who is alleged to be a UPDF soldier. The preliminary information we have says this family had issues of land disputes, and the cases were already lodged in courts of law waiting for hearing,” said Ms Nandawula.