Tension gripped Bigo village in Kyazanga Sub-county, Lwengo District after residents stormed the home of a local leader, Paul Ssempijja, over allegations that he exhumed a corpse and intended to consume it.
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The claims, widely circulated among villagers, centre on the late Sereverio Byakatonda, who was buried earlier this month in nearby Busumbi village.
Residents allege that Ssempijja dug up the body and brought it to his home, sparking fear and outrage in the community.
Some locals went as far as claiming they could hear a voice from Ssempijja’s residence believed to be that of the deceased, shouting, “I refuse to be eaten,” a claim that has further fueled panic and speculation.
James Ngabirano, a resident, said the rumours have made it difficult for people to travel to or from Bigo village, as fear continues to spread.
Angry residents initially surrounded the home of the local council chairperson demanding action, before proceeding to Ssempijja’s house, where they attempted to verify the claims.
With the intervention of the area chairperson, Paul Wasswa, the crowd was urged to remain calm as a search was conducted.
However, no body was found at Ssempijja’s residence. The group later searched his father’s home, where they reportedly found sticks suspected to have been used for smoking meat.
Family members dismissed the claims, saying the sticks were kept following Easter celebrations and reserved for future use.
Ssempijja has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and malicious.
He said he has already reported the matter to police and suspects the accusations could be politically motivated.
According to him, tensions may stem from his involvement in local politics. He previously contested for the Local Council chairperson position but later withdrew and was appointed vice chairperson, a move he claims did not sit well with some members of the community.
Meanwhile, Ereneo Mugenyi, the son of the deceased, confirmed that the family has been hearing the allegations for the past two weeks.
He warned that anyone found responsible for exhuming his father’s body would be required to return it and face cultural penalties, including compensation of 17 cows and Shs80 million.
Despite the absence of evidence during the search, suspicion remains high among some residents.
Sarah Naluggya questioned why Ssempijja continues to be singled out, noting that he has previously faced similar accusations.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but police investigations are expected to establish the truth behind the claims that have left the village divided and on edge.
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