Police in West Nile have arrested Agunda James 48, a resident of Obaru cell, Ombokolo ward, Arua District in connection to the murder of his wife Chandiru Judith 23, over denial of conjugal rights.
According to a statement by SCP Fred Enanga, the Uganda police spokesperson, dated March 4th, 2024, the couple had been sharing their bed but abstaining from sexual relations due to the wife’s accusation of her husband’s extramarital affairs. On the night of March 1st, 2024, a quarrel ensued between the couple, leading the wife to sleep on a separate mattress.
“The angered husband followed and grabbed her, then hit her around the ribs. The victim fell down on the floor and succumbed to the injuries. The suspect went and handed himself over to the police. The scene was documented and the body of the victim examined, and handed over to the relatives for burial,” Enanga stated.
Police further says that they have continues to register cases of domestic violence where husbands murdered their wives over conjugal rights and other extra marital concerns.
In December last year, a 110-year-old man from Ntugamo District was accused of killing his 109-year-old wife by stabbing her to death for denying him conjugal rights. Another tragic incident in greater Masaka involved a 66 year old peasant man hacking his 40-year-old wife to death over issues related to conjugal rights and cheating. These cases highlight the serious consequences and violence that have been arising from disputes over conjugal rights within relationships.
Police therefore advises couples to stop taking matters in their own hands in case of any accusations.
“We should be reminded that every spouse, partner or lover has a right to life, which has to be respected instead of taking the law in one’s hands,” Police urges.
