Man, 30, hacks four family members to death, mental illness suspected

Kyotera, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Kyotera District are investigating a horrific incident after four individuals were allegedly hacked to death by a 30-year-old man believed to be mentally ill.

The victims, all residents of Biwerere Ward, Kasaali Town Council, have been identified as Idah Nabuma, 65, Hassan Ssebufu, 9, Rashima Nansubuga, 2, and Abdul Ssemujju, 7.

The Sunday tragedy left three victims dead on the spot, while Ssemujju succumbed to injuries at a clinic in Bukunda Trading Centre on Monday at around 2:30 p.m.

Salapiyo Kaggwa, the chairperson of Biwerere Ward, revealed that the suspect who was staying with the victims for a significant period was diagnosed with a mental illness a few years ago and had been on medication.

“The family members must have failed to remind him to take his medication, which worsened his mental condition as he eventually ended the lives of four family members,” Kaggwa explained during an interview.

The incident sent shockwaves through the community, with local leaders questioning the family’s handling of the suspect’s condition.

Mr Nsubuga Gonzaga, the chairperson of the neighbouring Nkenge Ward, expressed his concern saying: “If people insist that he [suspect] is just mentally sick, why couldn’t the family members take him to a place where his mental health condition can be handled?”

The Police Spokesperson in the Southern Regional Territory, Mr Twaha Kasirye confirmed the arrest of the suspect as investigations unfold in the tragic murders.

“We had to arrest the suspect after the incident, but we can’t tell whether he is mentally sick or not. It will be the doctors to tell us,” he said.

Ms Fauzia Nairuba, the Kyotera District Community Liaison Officer called on families and communities to act proactively in addressing mental health issues. “Authorities are there to help where the community can’t. People should make use of them to avoid similar incidents in future,” she urged.

According to the 2023 annual police crime report, out of the 4,248 homicide cases recorded in 2023, 266 were caused by hacking, an increase from 231 in 2022.