Police in Njeru, Buikwe District, have launched an investigation into the suspected murder of a 45-year-old woman, Naigaga Rachael, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a guesthouse room in Namwezi Zone, Mbiko, Njeru Municipality.
According to Ssezibwa region Police Spokesperson Hellen Butoto, the deceased was a known sex worker, though married with children.
"On the evening of August 13, 2024, at around 8:00 PM, she left her home, leaving behind her husband and children, to visit Brandon Bar and Guesthouse in Namwezi Zone where she got a man who took her to the lodge" Butoto said
The guest house, owned by Brian Balanyeki who is currently on remand at Bugungu Prison, is being managed by his wife, Rachael Kugumikiriza
Butoto says later that night, at around midnight, Naigaga reportedly booked a room with a client. However, the client is believed to have left the premises during the night at an unknown time, locking the door from the outside and taking the keys with him.
"The next morning, on August 14, 2024, at approximately 7:00 AM, a fellow sex worker, commonly known by her nickname "Frenchbeans," expressed concern about Naigaga’s well-being to Meme Annet, the mother of the guesthouse owner, fearing that the deceased might not be safe. Annet, with the help of another individual, broke down the door to Naigaga’s room and discovered her lifeless body on the bed" Butoto stated.
The police were immediately notified, and Naigaga’s body was recovered.
She been a resident of Kyabagu Zone, Mbiko, Njeru Municipality. Despite the suspicious circumstances, initial reports indicate that there were no visible signs of violence on the body.
The body has since been transported to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination as investigations into the incident continue.
SP Hellen Butoto, assured the public that they are doing everything possible to uncover the truth behind this tragic event.
No suspects have been identified or arrested at this time, and the police are appealing to anyone with information that could aid in the investigation to come forward.
This incident has shocked the local community, where the deceased was both a known sex worker and a wife and mother.