Shock and grief has gripped the residents of Nyaruhanda Village in Kitagwenda District, following the arrest of a local musician and elected official in connection with the gruesome murder of a 4-year-old child.
According to a police statement released on March 19, 2025, the suspect, Levi Amarakutunga—a councillor representing persons with disabilities—is under investigation for alleged ritual sacrifice.
The horrifying events began on March 16, 2025, when the young victim was sent to a neighbor’s residence but never returned home.
“The child went missing, and after a search, the body was discovered the following morning, concealed in a bush,” Police stated.
Authorities immediately intensified investigations, deploying a K-9 unit to track the child’s last known movements. The canine unit led officers directly to Amarakutunga’s home, located about 300 meters from the scene where the body was found. Further searches uncovered chilling evidence.
“Investigators recovered a suspected panga, bearing what appeared to be bloodstains, roughly 200 meters from the child’s body,” police revealed.
Inside the suspect’s residence, officers reportedly found a bucket containing water mixed with blood, bloodstained clothing, and splattered blood on the walls of one of the rooms.
Community in Mourning, Demands Justice
The arrest of a local leader on such grave allegations has sent shockwaves through the community, fueling fears of ritualistic practices and demands for a swift and thorough investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. We trust that the police will conduct a comprehensive investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice,” said one distraught resident.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with all necessary evidence being gathered for prosecution.
This incident has intensified existing concerns about child sacrifice in the region and raised serious questions about the vetting process for local elected officials.
