Rukungiri, Uganda: The Territorial Police in Kigezi Region and Rukungiri Central Police Station (CPS) have detained a woman and her two children in connection with the alleged murder of her husband, Byamukama Vincent, a 53-year-old peasant from Mushuga village, Nyakisenyi sub-county. The murder is believed to have stemmed from ongoing family disputes.

The suspects, including Byamukama’s wife Mutesigensi Everino (44), daughter Nishaba Hildah (19), and son Akanyijuka Moses (21), are accused of conspiring to kill Byamukama after he reportedly chased them away from their home.

According to police reports, the family had been living in fear due to Byamukama’s frequent drunkenness and threats of violence.

On June 4, 2024, Byamukama, who was known to be an alcoholic, returned home inebriated and drove his wife, daughter, and six-year-old grandson, Ainamani Wilbroad, out of the house. The family sought refuge with neighbours and would sneak back home to cook when Byamukama was away.

However, on June 8, 2024, the family encountered Byamukama at home while attempting to cook. He allegedly chased them away, threatening to harm them with a panga.

Later that night, around 11 pm, the family reportedly waited for Byamukama to fall asleep, then entered the house and used the panga to hack him around the neck, killing him instantly.

In an attempt to cover up the crime, the suspects allegedly burned Byamukama’s body on his mattress near the house and then disposed of the remains in a toilet, which they subsequently demolished. When relatives of the victim noticed his absence and pressured the family for answers, they claimed Byamukama had fallen and died in the pit latrine. Relatives excavated the toilet and recovered a human skull and other remains, along with a walking stick and burnt mattress pieces.

The three suspects are scheduled to appear in court. The police have strongly condemned the brutal act of violence, emphasizing that no excuse can justify such savagery within a domestic setting. The police urged the public to be vigilant and report early warning signs of domestic violence, emphasizing that their Child and Family Protection Officers are always available to assist victims.

SCP Enanga Fred, the Police Spokesperson, stated, “Murders in domestic settings are avoidable if the warning signs of violence are detected early. Our dedicated Child and Family Protection Officers are always available and will attend to all victims.”