Uganda Police has raised concerns over the increase in cases of murder arising from domestic violence, where spouses and other vulnerable family members are victims.
The police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, expressed his concern on October 3, 2023, during a press statement.
A point in time is an incident that took place in the Rwizi Region and Kiruhura, where the police registered a case of murder by the stabbing of a husband and subsequent suicide.
According to Enanga, the facts gathered indicated that on September 28, 2023, at around 1 p.m., at Kamuzinzi Cell, Kashongi Sub County, Akampaobusingye Allen, a 19-year-old housewife, picked up a knife and stabbed her husband, Akatwijuka Innocent, aged 26 to death, due to infidelity and child neglect of their 2-year-old.
Enanga cited another incident that happened on September 28, 2023, in Greater Bushenyi and Buhweju, where Kakuru Innocent was arrested for the alleged murder of his biological mother, Kantayomba Faridah, aged 68, at Ekinoni village, Rugongo parish, in Buhweju district, by hacking. The victim had deep cuts on the head.
The third incident took place on September 25, 2023, in Katonga and Kanoni Gomba, where the police arrested Ssenyonjo Leonard, a 24-year-old, peasant of Matongo village, Kabulasoke, for allegedly beating his wife Allen Ssenyonjo to death at around 6 p.m. in the garden.
According to Enanga, the victim fell unconscious and was transferred to her home, where her condition worsened and she died.
The fourth incident took place on September 29, 2023, at around 7 p.m. in Busoga North and Buyende, where police are in custody of Tigawalana Yoweri, a resident of Bubiro village, Nabitula parish, for allegedly murdering his stepson, Bakaswirewa Aniyani, aged one and a half years.
When the suspect found his wife had taken the child to the nearest clinic for treatment, he assaulted her, resulting in severe injuries.
The police strongly condemn such murders in domestic settings and continue to urge spouses and parents to have respect and care for each other while in their homes and avoid taking the law into their own hands. All persons in abusive relationships are urged to seek assistance from the Child and Family Protection Unit.