EDITOR
Police in Rukungiri District have arrested a 24-year-old boda boda rider in connection with the brutal murder of a woman in Nyarubembe village, Buhunga sub-county.
The suspect, identified as Tumwijukye Amos, a resident of Katojo ward in Mbarara District, was apprehended following the killing of 37-year-old Ayebazibwe Loyidah on the night of March 1, 2025.
According to reports, Loyidah had been embroiled in longstanding family disputes with her in-laws, who accused her of witchcraft. The conflict escalated after her mother-in-law, Kesente Jovaline, developed a severe wound in 2014, which never healed. On February 28, while Amos was transporting Kesente to Mbarara Referral Hospital, they were involved in an accident, leading to heavy bleeding from the wound.
Investigators believe that Amos blamed Loyidah for the misfortunes and plotted her murder. He allegedly purchased a knife in Mbarara before traveling to Rukungiri, where he visited Loyidah’s home on the evening of March 1. After sharing a meal, he convinced her to accompany him to his mother’s home, along with her two children, Elvis and Tracy.
Upon arrival, Amos reportedly ambushed Loyidah, striking her multiple times on the head and neck with a hidden pestle. When she attempted to escape, he fatally stabbed her in the neck. Her children’s cries for help alerted neighbors, including local council chairperson Musasizi Benon, who immediately reported the incident to the police.
Police launched an investigation, documenting the crime scene and recovering key exhibits, including the murder weapon and the suspect’s phone. Amos was tracked down and arrested the following day at a lodge in Mabanga.
The victim’s body was taken to Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for a postmortem examination, while Amos remains in custody at Rukungiri Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson ASP Maate Elly confirmed the incident, stating that detectives are actively pursuing further inquiries into the case.
