Man, 46, sent for trial over neighbour’s murder in land dispute

Ntungamo Magistrate’s court has sent a 46-year-old man to the High Court for trial over the murder of his neighbor following a land row.

Alex Kwatirayo is accused of hacking Robert Kahigi to death in full view of his children and wife whom he also allegedly threatened to kill.

“Kahigi was walking home with his wife Annet Mbabazi and his three children. As they passed the place where goats and cows normally graze, you waylaid them, and started cutting him and using a stick to prevent other family members from reaching near. You fled after the locals intervened. Kahigi was taken to hospital where he died hours later,” Kwatirayo’s indictment reads in part.

The Senior state Attorney Laudel Twinomugisha noted that inquiries were complete in the case and asked court to commit Kwatirayo for trial.

“We have all the evidence that warrant trial of the suspect. I pray that the accused is committed to high court for trial.” Mr Twinomugisha said.

The Grade One magistrate, Mr Edgar Kakuru said Kwatirayo will be tried at the most convenient session of High Court.

“You are hereby committed for trial in the High Court,” Mr Kakuru ruled.

Kwatirayo has been on remand for the last six months following the murder on September 8, 2025 at Kijubwe, Kayonza Sub County, Ntungamo District.

The murder is one the high-profile land conflict-generated cases that rose eyebrows. Kahigi had allegedly fenced off a village path through his land forcing neighbors to use an alternative longer route.

Kawatirayo who was one of the affected neighbours who instead took matters into his hands by waylaying and attacking Kahigi with a machete.

Court documents seen by reporter indicate that Kwatirayo was found to be mentally wanting but capable of standing trial before court.