Police in Kyankwanzi District have arrested the prime suspect in the killing of Awali Sentongo and his wife, Doreen Ayebare , who were murdered on the eve of Valentine’s Day in what authorities describe as an aggravated robbery.
The couple was attacked and killed at their home in Ntunda Sub-county, in a case that initially left residents and investigators searching for answers.
According to Lameck Kigozi, the Wamala Region Police spokesperson, detectives from the Scene of Crime unit collected critical forensic evidence that helped identify the suspect as Senkula Amon.
“Our Scene of Crime officers picked vital clues which, together with circumstantial evidence, pointed to Senkula Amon as the prime suspect,” SSP Kigozi said.
Police established that the suspect had been released on bail in mid-December 2025. Investigators allege that he resumed criminal activity shortly after his release.
A joint manhunt involving police and local residents was launched across Ntunda Sub-county and the wider Kyankwanzi area. The operation led to his arrest in the early hours of the morning while he was reportedly hiding in a bush.
“The suspect had no known fixed place of residence. He was living in the bush and is believed to have been carrying out criminal activities at night before retreating into hiding,” Kigozi said.
During interrogation, police say the suspect confessed to attacking the couple after allegedly demanding money from them.
He is accused of fatally assaulting Awali with a panga before attacking Doreen, who had reportedly raised an alarm. Doreen, who was pregnant, later died along with her unborn child.
The suspect is also wanted in connection with other serious offences registered at Kyankwanzi Central Police Station, including attempted murder and kidnapping.
Police commended the community for cooperating with security agencies during the operation.
“We appreciate the community for responding to our appeal for information and actively participating in the search. The suspect had been labelled dangerous, and public support was crucial in ensuring his arrest,” Kigozi added.
Authorities said the suspect will be arraigned in court once the case file is reviewed and sanctioned by the Resident State Attorney in Kyankwanzi District. Investigations are ongoing.