EDITOR
Police in Rubanda District have arrested a man accused of killing his 10-year-old daughter and severely torturing his 13-year-old son in a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Kanaba A village in Bubaare Town Council.
According to Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the suspect, Turihohabwe Matius, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025, following the death of his daughter, Natumanya Fortune, a Primary Five pupil at Kitagyenda Primary School. Her brother, Robert Owomugisha, also a pupil at the same school, is currently admitted in critical condition at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital.
The incident is believed to have occurred on the night of May 31, 2025. Police reports indicate that the suspect began physically assaulting the children at around 9:00 PM, after accusing Owomugisha of stealing Irish potatoes from a nearby garden. The children were allegedly tied up and beaten severely.
An eyewitness, the suspect’s sister Ms. Santurina Nshemerirwe, told police she was threatened with a panga when she tried to intervene and seek help. At approximately 2:00 AM, the suspect reportedly alerted neighbors, claiming the girl had taken medicine and was unwell. On arrival, neighbors found the young girl lifeless and promptly contacted local leaders.
The area chairperson, Mr. Lawrence Turyahikayo, helped organize residents who arrested the suspect and handed him over to Bubaare Police Station. Officers who visited the scene conducted a postmortem and documented key evidence. Investigations are ongoing.
Police commended the community for remaining calm and choosing not to take the law into their own hands. During a community policing session led by the Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigations and the Community Liaison Officer, residents were urged to seek peaceful solutions to family conflicts and avoid violence against children and spouses.
ASP Maate confirmed that inquiries are still underway and the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
