Kassanda Police Arrest Suspect in Brutal Murder of Land Dispute Victim

Police in Kassanda District have arrested a suspect in connection with the brutal murder of 61-year-old Pheobe Nalugwa, a resident of Kizibawo Village in Bukuya Sub-county.

According to a statement released by Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi, the deceased had been involved in a long-standing land dispute with the suspects, a case that had been before the Mubende Chief Magistrate’s Court.

“It is alleged that on several occasions, the deceased was openly threatened by the suspects, who warned her that if the court ruled in her favor, it would be the end of her,” SSP Kigozi said.

Police revealed that Nalugwa had previously reported two cases of threatening violence at both Kassanda and Mubende police stations, with the matters still pending before the court. Last month, the court ruled in her favor and directed that a government surveyor demarcate the disputed land on April 18, 2026.

However, in the early hours of April 6, unknown assailants reportedly broke into her home and attacked her while she slept.

“In the very early morning hours, unknown assailants accessed her bedroom and used a sharp object to strike her on the head and left arm, fatally injuring her,” Kigozi stated.

The body was later discovered by Grace Nalutaaya, who had gone to pay the deceased for coffee she had supplied. “She called out repeatedly without receiving a response and found her lying dead in the bedroom. The house was open,” the police statement added.

The matter was reported to the area LC1 chairperson, who alerted Bukuya Police Station. A team from Kassanda Central Police Station later reinforced local officers and visited the crime scene. The body was taken to Kassanda Health Centre IV for a postmortem examination.

Police have since arrested 60-year-old Ronald Kakooza, who was also involved in the court case with the deceased. Two other suspects remain at large.

“If evidence corroborates their involvement, Ronald Kakooza will be charged in court soon, while the search for the two accomplices continues,” Kigozi said.

Police have appealed to the public to respect court rulings and seek lawful redress in case of disputes. “We urge our people to always respect court judgments. If you disagree with a ruling, appeal through the proper channels, but do not harm the victor,” Kigozi emphasized.