Police Investigate Alleged Mob Killing Involving City Bank

Police in Uganda are investigating the death of a man accused of orchestrating a rental fraud scheme. The investigation follows a reversal by authorities who initially denied the incident occurred. Public scrutiny and mounting pressure on social media prompted the change.

The case resurfaced after public accounts alleged that the suspected fraudster was assaulted by a mob. This occurred after he was apprehended at a Diamond Trust Bank Uganda branch in Naalya. The incident gained renewed attention, contrasting with the limited public focus it initially received when national attention was on the killing of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo.

Authorities now acknowledge the incident happened and are investigating. Preliminary findings suggest the complainant sought rental property online and was introduced to Fahad Lubega, 30, who allegedly posed as a property agent. The complainant deposited Shs12 million for rent and a security deposit for a property in Kyanja. However, the complainant later discovered the property was not available for rent and was instead for sale. Efforts to reverse the transaction failed as the money had already been withdrawn.

Lubega was reportedly spotted at a bank branch, and by the time the complainant arrived, he had already been apprehended. Police stated that Lubega escaped while under a security guard's watch, leading to a chase and assault by the public. He was later taken to Kiwatule Police Station, where he died shortly after arrival. His body was sent for a postmortem examination.

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The matter was reported to the Uganda Police, and he was subsequently taken into police custody.