RUBANDA UGANDA: A seven-year-old pupil's life was tragically cut short after he was allegedly stabbed by a teenager in Nyamweru Sub-county, Rubanda District.

The deceased, identified as Ainebyona Hosea, a pupil at Hamukobakoba Nursery School, was reportedly attacked while returning home from school on Monday evening.

According to Kigezi Regional Police, the suspect has been identified as 17-year-old Ainamani Bureya, a resident of Kyokezo Parish in Nyamweru Sub-county. Police say the incident occurred at around 6:00 p.m. in Kyokezo Parish.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the young pupil was stabbed using a sharp object suspected to resemble a panga, sustaining fatal injuries.

The incident has left residents in shock and mourning, with many questioning how such a young child could fall victim to such violence. Family members, friends, and fellow pupils are struggling to come to terms with the loss of the promising youngster.

Police officers from Rubanda District responded to the scene shortly after receiving the report and have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large.

Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime urged parents and guardians to prioritize the safety of school-going children by ensuring they are escorted to and from school, especially nursery and primary school pupils.

He also called upon school administrators to strengthen security measures and guarantee the safety of learners both within and around school premises.

Investigations into the motive behind the killing are ongoing as police continue efforts to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.