Police in Nakaseke District have launched an investigation into the brutal killing of a woman and her granddaughter, whose bodies were discovered in a coffee plantation in Wakayamba Village, Kikamulo Subcounty.
The deceased have been identified as 53-year-old Specioza Nakato, a peasant farmer and resident of the area, and her 3-year-old granddaughter, only identified as Sheilla. The pair were last seen on Wednesday evening.
According to ASP Sam Twiineamazima, the Police Spokesperson for the Savannah Region, the incident came to light after Nakato’s 17-year-old son, Ibrahim Ssemambo, returned home from Wakayamba Trading Centre around 7:00 PM.
“She had sent her son to buy some items at around 5:00 PM. When he returned, he found food still boiling on the stove, but there was no sign of his mother or niece,” said Twiineamazima.
Growing concerned, Ssemambo noticed the house was in disarray—clothes strewn about, household items misplaced, and money missing from its usual hiding spot. Inside the home, he also found a stick with what appeared to be bloodstains.
Alarmed, he alerted a neighbour, Sekibenga, and together they began searching the nearby area. Their search led them to a nearby coffee plantation where they discovered the lifeless bodies of Nakato and Sheilla.
Police were promptly informed and responded to the scene, registering a case of suspected double murder.
“A sniffer dog was deployed and led officers to a nearby home, where a suspect believed to be connected to the killings was arrested,” Twiineamazima revealed.
Investigators recovered several exhibits from the scene, including the bloodstained stick and other relevant items, which have been secured as evidence.
The bodies were taken to Nakaseke Hospital for postmortem examinations.
The motive for the murders remains unclear. Police have called for calm and urged members of the community to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
“This is a deeply tragic incident, and we understand the community is shaken. We encourage anyone with information to come forward,” Twiineamazima added.