Police in Kibaale have arrested a 29-year-old man suspected of murdering his neighbour, Aminah Tumwebaze, whose body was found in a bush after she went to retrieve her goats.
Police in Kibaale District have arrested a 29-year-old man suspected of murdering his 49-year-old neighbour, Aminah Tumwebaze, whose body was discovered in a bush in Rubona Village, Rwamagando Parish, Kyakazihire Sub-county.
Tumwebaze reportedly went to retrieve her goats from a grazing field on Monday evening but did not return home.
Police have since commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death, which has left residents demanding justice.
According to residents, led by Rubona Male Parish Councillor Yosia Musinguzi and Rwamagando Female Parish Councillor Janipher Gensi, Tumwebaze was last seen alive at about 7:30pm when she went to collect her goats.
Residents said they became suspicious when the animals returned home without her, prompting them to organise a search.
During the search, they discovered her lifeless body in a nearby bush where the goats had been grazing and alerted officers at Kyakazihire Police Station.
Musinguzi said the discovery shocked residents, who had not expected the routine task of retrieving livestock to end in tragedy.
“We were concerned when the goats returned without her. We decided to look for her, but what we found was heartbreaking. We want the authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is served,” Musinguzi said.
Gensi appealed to residents to remain calm as police investigate the incident and establish what happened to Tumwebaze.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our residents. We appeal to the police to establish the circumstances surrounding her death so that those responsible, if identified, can be held accountable,” she said.
The incident has also raised concerns over the police response following the discovery of the body. Some residents claimed officers arrived at the scene at around midnight and advised them to remain there overnight with the body. They called for improved emergency response when communities report serious incidents.
The suspect, identified as Nsabimana Rukara, reportedly lived in the same village as the deceased.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the two may previously have disagreed over a woman whom Tumwebaze had reportedly introduced to Rukara before they later married and divorced.
It is alleged that after the separation, the woman sought refuge at Tumwebaze's home, while Rukara reportedly continued demanding that she return.
However, Rukara reportedly dismissed the claims during questioning at Kibaale Police Central Station. Police have not established the alleged disagreement as a motive for the killing.
Kyakazihire Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Nestoli Ndagizimana condemned the killing and urged residents to resolve disputes peacefully and seek lawful intervention when disagreements arise.
“People should learn to resolve their differences through dialogue and report disputes to the relevant authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands. Violence only brings suffering to families and communities,” Ndagizimana said.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could assist investigators.
Kibaale District Criminal Investigations Department officer Recheal Wakoli confirmed that investigations had commenced.
“We have commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and gather the necessary evidence,” Wakoli said.
Rukara remains in police custody as investigations continue.