Tenant among four arrested over businessman’s murder in Bushenyi

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The police in Bushenyi have arrested four suspects, including a tenant, in connection with the brutal murder of a prominent businessman and former chief finance officer for Bushenyi district.

The deceased, Abias Asiimwe Baryayanga, 58, a resident of Kyandango cell in Kashenyi ward, Ishaka division, Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality, was found dead on April 19, 2026.

According to family and police accounts, Baryayanga was last seen on April 18, 2026, at around 6:30 pm in Kashenyi town, where he had parked his vehicle before going missing.

Nelson Atwine, a brother of the deceased, said the family became concerned after his wife reported that he had not returned home.

“We were informed that he left in the evening and did not come back. That is when we started looking for him until we received the tragic news,” Atwine said.

Body found hidden in ceiling

Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson Apollo Tayebwa confirmed the arrests but said the identities of the suspects would not be released at this stage.

“We have arrested four suspects in connection with the murder. They are currently detained at Bushenyi Central Police Station as investigations continue. We cannot release their identities at this stage because it may compromise our inquiries,” Tayebwa said.

He added that preliminary findings show the body was mutilated, burnt beyond recognition, and concealed in the ceiling of a rental building in Kashenyi trading centre.

Police said one of the suspects, believed to be a tenant in the building, was found hiding in the ceiling where the body had been concealed.

Tayebwa said officers intervened after residents attempted to lynch the suspect.

“We had to use teargas and live bullets to disperse the crowd and rescue the suspect from mob justice,” he said.

Debt dispute suspected

One of the residents who requested anonymity said tensions had existed between the deceased and the tenant over unpaid rental arrears.

“There had been a dispute over about sh500,000. The businessman had been demanding payment for a long time,” the source said.

Police said the motive is still under investigation.

Leaders condemn killing

Bushenyi LC5 chairperson Jafari Basajjabalaba condemned the killing, describing it as brutal and unacceptable.

“This is a very unfortunate incident. We call upon security agencies to expedite investigations and ensure those involved face justice,” Basajjabalaba said.

Prominent trader

The deceased was a well-known businessman in Kashenyi trading centre. He owned a petrol station, bar, wholesale shop and rental properties, and had been serving as chairperson of traders in the area.

He also previously served as chief finance officer for Bushenyi district.

He was interdicted by the District Service Commission for six months in 2018 over allegations of embezzlement of district funds and was later dismissed from service before fully concentrating on his private business ventures.