Uganda: Man fatally stabbed over less than $1 debt

Authorities in Uganda arrested a 32-year-old man after he allegedly stabbed and killed a 53-year-old peasant during an altercation over a Ugx 1, 000 (less than $1) debt that the victim owed him, local news outlet Monitor reported.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Uganda Police Force, Fred Enanga, said the Territorial Police in Aswa region and Agago district arrested Okello Aldo Akech in connection with the fatal October 23 stabbing of Okwera Tarasisto. 

Akech, who is also a peasant, is said to have fixed a padlock for the victim and demanded Ugx 2000 for his services. But Tarasisto gave the suspect “Ugx 1000 and asked him to return for the balance of Ugx 1000 later,” Enanga said.

Akech, however, became violent as he demanded the full payment. “He then grabbed a knife from the victim, chased and stabbed him, at the left side of the rib,” police said. “Several members of the community responded, arrested the suspect and took him to the LC1 Chairperson.”

Community members also attempted to rush Tarasisto to the hospital, but he “unfortunately died on the way” and his body was returned home. The suspect was ultimately rescued by police as he was being attacked by an angry mob, Enanga said, adding that the murder weapon was also recovered.

“We strongly condemn such acts of elderly abuse and impunity within the community where perpetrators of violence, transfer their anger on innocent elderly persons,” said Enanga. “We are going to fast track this violent murder through the courts of law and ensure the suspect is punished.”