Five Arrested Over Murder of Kassanda Couple

Police in Kassanda District have arrested five suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a couple in Lukira Village, Myanzi Sub-county.

According to police, the incident happened on July 2, 2026, when the suspects reportedly broke into the home of Joseph Ssali, 48, and his wife, Mariza Regina, in Lukira Village.

The attackers are also accused of stealing an unknown amount of money and seven bags of coffee from the family before killing the couple.

‎The body of Ssali was recovered the following day by residents led by the village chairperson, Kakinda Sulaiman, who reported the matter to Myanzi Police Station.

‎‎His wife’s body was discovered six days later, on July 8, 2026, in the neighbouring village of Kyaseta, where it had been partially buried.

‎‎The brutal killings sparked fear and grief among residents of Lukira Village, Myanzi Sub-county, and across Kassanda District.

‎‎Wamala Regional Police spokesperson Lameck Kigozi said investigators have been pursuing leads since the murders were reported, eventually making a breakthrough after the arrest of a key suspect in Masaka City.

‎‎”The arrest of the first suspect led investigators to four other accomplices,” Kigozi said.

‎‎The suspects have been identified as Joan Nakavuma, 38, a resident of Katwe in Masaka City; Kasumba Babangida, 26, a casual worker; Meddy Nsereko, also known as “Baamu Mukooki,” 32; Damian Kule, 24, a farmer and boda boda rider; and John Yamulemye, also known as “Doctor,” 23, a casual worker. The latter four are all residents of Kalama Village in Myanzi Sub-county, Kassanda District.

Kigozi said investigators have found several items during the ongoing investigation, including the motorcycles the suspects are said to have used to travel to and from the crime scene.

‎‎”Several exhibits have since been recovered from the suspects in the ongoing investigations, including the motorcycles they used in and out of the scene of crime,” Kigozi said.

‎‎He attributed the breakthrough to intelligence-led investigations conducted by the Flying Squad Unit, supported by forensic analytical tools, tracking technology, CCTV footage, canine units, and other investigative methods. ‎‎Kigozi said the five suspects will be arraigned in court once the Resident State Attorney in Kassanda sanctions the charges-