A mob in Atapar village, Teso South killed a man suspected to have murdered his cousin following a dispute over catering roles at a funeral.
Witnesses said the man had been hiding in nearby sugarcane plantations, armed with machetes, clubs and other crude weapons.
"The man was heavily armed and avoided contact with residents, posing a threat to the community. Local residents hunted him down as he was deemed armed and dangerous," a witness said.
The incident follows reports that the suspect's family had been secretly taking food to him inside the sugarcane plantation.
Pastor John Okisai, who visited the scene warned residents against taking the law into their won hands and urged them to exercise tolerance.
"The community should maintain peace and refrain from taking the law into their own hands," he said.
The mob set the suspect's four houses on fire and destroyed his property including crops and trees.
Police have launched investigations into the incident.
According to police reports, the suspect was considered dangerous to society and had evaded arrest by hiding in the nearby sugarcane plantations.
The man killed his cousin during an argument over catering duties at a funeral before fleeing.
The incident sparked tension between the two families and attempts to reconcile them hit a brick wall.
The victim's body was removed to Asrapa Mortuary in Kocholia awaiting postmortem.
