Police is investigating circumstances under which a former Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) senior employee was murdered at a music in Kampala concert last Friday.
Bonus Aine Akankwatsa, a former employee of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
was allegedly beaten to death by thugs who had infiltrated Hotel Africana People’s Space where female musician Lydia Jazmine’s concert was taking place.
Mr. Akankwatsa, with a pair of friends, had gone to attend star Jazmine’s concert dubbed Last Born. Instead, Friday turned out to be his last day as he was beaten unconsciously. He died on Saturday morning from Mulago Hospital where he was rushed by Police.
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“In profound sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news of our dear friend Akankwatsa Bonus Aine’s passing. Struck by senseless violence at a concert at the Africana hotel, our hearts ache. In the face of this tragedy, we find solace in the belief that our friend has found eternal peace. Let us hold onto cherished memories and support one another through this difficult time,” a message from family made the rounds on Saturday after he was pronounced dead.
According to preliminary investigations, Mr. Akankwatsa was beaten by thugs from the general section of the concert as he made his way to the VIP a section with two female friends.
However, this website has learnt that a few minutes to his alleged beating by thugs, he was involved in a heated argument with some Police officers outside Airtel House which is just a stone throw from Hotel Africana People’s Space.
We have been told that Mr. Akankwatsa and the Police officers argued about parking fees. He had parked inside Airtel House parking space (as seen in the pic below) and the Police officers demanded for parking fees before he leaves for the music concert.
He, on the hand, insisted on paying after the concert.
According to statements from ‘witnesses’, the Police officers later calmed down and Akankwatsa- with his two females pals- proceeded, and actually entered the concert venue.
Unfortunately, there was commotion inside and somehow, Akankwatsa and the pals lost contact with the female pals retreating in haste to Airtel House where he had parked the car.
Once at the car, the female pals called Akankwatsa’s phone and informed him of their location.
“He was still okay then, we spoke with him and he told us he would find us in a few minutes,” one of the female pals told us.
However, ten minutes later, they called him back but his phone was switched off.
As they still wondered what could have happened, one of the Police officers, with whom Akankwatsa had an argument with earlier, informed them that their friend was unconscious after a beating.
“He told us to hurry to the Police vehicle and take him to hospital,” the female pal added.
And indeed, by the time they went back to the concert venue, Akankwatsa was lying unconscious in the police car.
He was rushed to Mulago Hospital but sadly pronounced dead the next day (Saturday) at 11am.
Police and family visited the crime scene on Saturday morning and investigations continue.
Meanwhile, we contacted a Hotel Africana staffer for their statement since the place has CCTV cameras. The person we contacted told us they (hotel) had no idea about the incident. We do not know if his claim is the hotel’s official position.
This is a developing investigative story…