MBALE – Bryan Wangwe, a 24-year old resident of Bumusomi village in Namabya sub-County, Namisindwa district survived death through suicide but not the communal corporal punishment.
Wangwe whose attempt to take his own life had flopped, was sentenced to 50 thrashes – after elders termed the action as a taboo.
Apparently Wangwe was irritated after word spread around that he had stolen a cow.
Yusuf Blenda, one of the residents, said that the area LCI court sentenced Wangwe to 50 lashes as a way of deterring others with similar motives.
According to Blenda, trouble for Wangwe started after he allegedly stole a cow from one Maresi in the neighbouring Magale sub-county – with the owners traced it to his home.
He explained that the Local Council leaders convened a meeting with the aim of counselling Wangwe – but he reportedly disliked the idea. Blenda narrated that after the meeting; Wangwe stormed his father’s house – picking up a mosquito net, which he used as a string in trying to end his life before locals came to his rescue after his father had sounded an alarm.
As a result, the LCs convened another court session – handing him to a further inhuman punishment.
The area LCI chairman, James Khaukha confirmed Wangwe’s punishment, warning youth to desist from involving themselves acts of theft, which are life threatening.
