13 conservation officers held over deaths of four charcoal traders in Kagera

Police in Kagera Region are holding 13 officers from the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) and auxiliary security personnel over the deaths of four men who were transporting charcoal on motorcycles in Muleba District. The incident occurred at about 4am on October 17, 2026, in Kanyamika Village, Karambi Ward, along the main road linking Muleba and Biharamulo. In a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, Kagera Regional Police Commander Blasius Chatanda said the officers were on patrol in Ruiga Forest Reserve when they encountered people transporting charcoal on 10 motorcycles. “The individuals reportedly refused to be arrested and attempted to disarm the officers, leading to an attack in which four people died,” the statement said. According to the statement, the patrol team was travelling in a Toyota Land Cruiser and carrying three AK-47 rifles. The deceased were identified as Osward Yuster, 38, a resident of Ngote; Pius Charles, 40, from Magata; Charles Michael, 35, from Ngote; and Edgar Elias Lukangula, 44, from Butembo. Mr Chatanda said Lukangula died in the early hours of October 18 while receiving treatment at Kagera Regional Referral Hospital. The officers named as members of the patrol team were Mituni Haji, 26; Faustin Mboko, 25; Kingmar Mewama, 40; Fluomena France, 28; Erick Muya, 25; Yusuph Kweya, 26; Emmanuel Zabron; Yusto David, 22; Josiah Mahenge, 26; Farouk Mahamudu, 24; Baraka Kabulo, 28; Regan Nikodem, 24; Alanus Chowe, 35; and Andrew Kwiyega, 32, a TFS driver. The incident also resulted in damage to a government-owned TFS Toyota Land Cruiser, whose windscreen and side windows were smashed. Police seized 10 motorcycles, 22 sacks of charcoal, five machetes, two hard hats and two coats. They also recovered three AK-47 rifles, five spent cartridges and the damaged Land Cruiser. Mr Chatanda said police had arrested suspects linked to the incident and were continuing investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths. He urged members of the public to obey the law and refrain from taking the law into their own hands when dealing with police officers or other authorities mandated to enforce it. “We urge all citizens to obey the law without being forced to do so and to stop taking the law into their own hands,” he said.