Isa Atigo, popularly known as Mavado, a bodyguard for singer Jose Chameleone and bouncer at Happy Boyz bar in Kawempe, has been brutally killed by his elder brother following a bitter dispute over a Shs35 million inheritance and family land.
The shocking incident occurred on Thursday night around 11 p.m., according to reliable sources, at Mavado’s home in Kawempe. The dispute reportedly stemmed from disagreements over land that belonged to their late father.
Eyewitnesses say that the conflict escalated after Mavado refused to equally share the proceeds from the sale of the property with his three other siblings. He had allegedly sold part of the land without consulting his relatives.
“The argument started peacefully but soon escalated into violence,” one neighbor recounted. “Words were exchanged, and then the fight turned physical.”
During the altercation, Mavado’s elder brother, identified as Shida Juma, reportedly attacked him with a screwdriver, piercing his chest and leaving him critically injured.
Mavado was immediately rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead on arrival, leaving family, friends, and the local community in shock.
The inheritance dispute, which had been simmering since their father’s death, had reportedly created tension between the siblings for months. Mavado allegedly claimed sole authority to sell portions of the family land.
Relatives of the deceased claimed that Mavado had forcefully sold parts of the land and kept the proceeds for himself, angering his siblings who felt entitled to an equal share.
According to sources close to the family, earlier in the week, Mavado had secretly planned to sell another section of the land without informing his relatives, prompting Juma and others to confront him at his home.
Neighbors recalled hearing a heated argument that quickly turned violent. “The shouting was intense. Within minutes, it became a fight that ended tragically,” one witness said.
This is not the first time violence has surrounded the siblings. Reports indicate that Mavado and Juma were previously affiliated with the notorious B13 gang and were arrested by Kawempe police for their involvement in night-time robberies.
Friends of Mavado described him as both fearless and controversial, noting that while he worked as a bodyguard for one of Uganda’s biggest music stars, his personal life was fraught with conflict.
The incident has left the Kawempe community rattled, with residents expressing concern over the deadly consequences of familial disputes over land and money.
Police confirmed that Shida Juma remains at large. Authorities are actively searching for him, and he reportedly skipped his brother’s burial in Luwero.
Family members said they are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. “We never expected such violence from one brother against another,” one sibling remarked.
The death of Mavado has reignited discussions about the dangers of unresolved family disputes, particularly those involving inherited property and money, which have historically led to conflicts in Uganda.
Legal experts note that Uganda’s inheritance laws often create room for contention when properties are sold without consensus among rightful heirs, emphasizing the need for mediation.
Police are urging anyone with information about Juma’s whereabouts to come forward. They warned that failing to apprehend him could embolden similar violent acts in the community.
Members of the local community are calling for stricter law enforcement and interventions to prevent property-related family disputes from escalating into deadly confrontations.
Meanwhile, the entertainment and nightlife communities mourn the loss of a well-known bouncer and bodyguard, highlighting the stark contrast between Mavado’s professional life and the violent circumstances of his death.
The tragic killing of Isa Atigo, alias Mavado, serves as a grim reminder of the lethal potential of unresolved familial conflicts over inheritance and wealth. Authorities continue investigations, vowing to bring the perpetrator to justice.
