Police in Kagadi District have arrested a 32-year-old man accused of violently attacking and injuring four children with a panga during a night incident in Rugashari Sub-County.
The suspect, identified as Byaruhanga John, a peasant farmer from Nyabubare Village in Buhumuriro Sub-County, was taken into custody following the attack that occurred at about 3:00am on May 7, 2026, in Iruhura “B” Village, Izahura Parish.
The victims, all grandchildren of 67-year-old Bizimenyera Pulikeria, include Ainembazi Catherine (14), Twinamasiko Lozio (14), Kesande Twinomujuni (9), and Kebirungi Emily (7).
Preliminary police findings indicate that the suspect and his father, Katushabe Generasi, had visited the home of Bizimenyera earlier in the evening for prayers. After the session ended around 11:00pm, the visitors reportedly remained at the home and were offered shelter for the night.
However, at around 3:00am, police say the suspect allegedly woke up, grabbed a panga, and attacked the four children who were sleeping inside the house, inflicting serious injuries before fleeing the scene.
The children’s mother and another relative, identified as Generoza, raised an alarm that attracted neighbours, but the suspect had already escaped with the weapon.
The area Vice Chairperson, Nyesigire John, assisted in rushing the injured children to Joint Clinic in Rugashari Town Council for urgent medical attention.
Police later registered a case of attempted murder at Rugashari Police Station. Crime scene officers documented the house and recovered blood-stained bedding and a mat as exhibits. Witness statements were also recorded.
Albertine Region Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed the arrest of Byaruhanga John, saying he was later found with a blood-stained panga suspected to have been used in the attack.
Residents reported that the suspect had been brought from Buhumuriro Sub-County for prayers at the home of Nyirabazimenyera Pulikeria, a well-known prayer leader in the area.
Some locals claimed that after the prayers, the suspect began showing unusual behaviour suggestive of mental disturbance before allegedly entering the room where the children were sleeping and attacking them.
Others in the community have raised concerns about the prayer sessions held at the home, alleging that some attendees later experience unexplained difficulties.
The victims told authorities that they were attacked while asleep.
Local leaders have since called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Rugashari Sub-County district councillor Turyatunga Herbert urged security agencies to establish whether the suspect had any history of mental illness and also examine the activities conducted at the prayer home.
Meanwhile, senior medical officer Dr. Tuhairwe Abrahamaani, popularly known as Dr. Kali Smart, said the children are in stable condition and are receiving treatment for deep cuts sustained during the attack.
Police condemned the incident and praised residents for their swift response in helping save the victims and alerting authorities. The suspect remains in custody at Rugashari Police Station as investigations continue.
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