IGANGA: Man hacks wife, child and takes own life in heated domestic dispute

It is alleged that the suspect had a domestic misunderstanding with his wife over property matters. The disagreement stemmed from land that Nabirye Salama had reportedly bought and registered in the names of their child without the knowledge of Waako Jamiru Makoma

Iganga, Uganda: Police in Iganga District are investigating a suspected murder and suicide after a domestic dispute over land allegedly ended with a man killing his wife and their two-year-old child before taking his own life.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at about 8:45 am in Namusisi Village, Nawandala Sub-county.

According to Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha, the deceased have been identified as Nabirye Salama, 26, her two-year-old son Kisira Mutwalib, and the suspected attacker, Waako Jamiru Makoma, who also died.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the tragedy stemmed from a disagreement over family property.

According to ASP Kasadha, Nabirye had allegedly purchased land and registered it in the names of the couple’s two-year-old child without informing her husband.

“It is alleged that the suspect had a domestic misunderstanding with his wife over property matters. The disagreement stemmed from land that Nabirye Salama had reportedly bought and registered in the names of their child without the knowledge of Waako Jamiru Makoma,” he explained.

Police said the suspect demanded to see the land sale agreement before the argument escalated inside the family’s house.

“During the altercation, the suspect reportedly attacked and stabbed Nabirye Salama and their two-year-old child with a knife. Thereafter, the suspect also stabbed himself in the stomach and died,” ASP Kasadha added.

A team of detectives led by the Iganga District Police Commander (DPC) visited and documented the scene, and recovered a blood-stained knife believed to have been used during the attack.

The three bodies were conveyed to Iganga Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations as investigations continue.

Busoga East Police have urged members of the public to seek peaceful avenues for resolving domestic conflicts instead of resorting to violence.

“We urge members of the public to resolve domestic and family disputes amicably through elders, local leaders and courts of law, and to seek help before situations escalate into violence,” ASP Kasadha said.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) for Iganga, Caroline Kiwala, also condemned the incident, describing it as a tragic loss of life.

“This was unfortunate to lose the lives of three people at the same time. We condemn such acts and ask married people to always resolve matters through lawful channels to avoid escalation of danger. Killing your partner or someone cannot be a solution to a problem,” Kiwala said.

Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.