Residents of Ruyanja Cell in Hoima City are living in fear after unknown individuals dumped a new coffin containing a panga at the doorstep of a local resident, Godfrey Alituha.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours, has shocked the neighbourhood and prompted a police investigation, though no clear leads had emerged by Wednesday.
According to Alituha’s wife, Harriet Nyamaizi, the discovery was made as she began her morning routine.
“I was putting my sewing machine outside, I just saw a coffin. I raised an alarm, fainted and fell on the coffin out of fear. It’s my husband who came and picked me and took me to bed,” she said.
Alituha declined to speak to the media.
The area chairperson, Erukana Kiiza, said he was alerted by the family and immediately contacted police, who responded and cordoned off the scene.
“When they called me, I knew it was a matter for police. I called them and they came in time,” he said.
Kiiza acknowledged circulating rumours suggesting Alituha may have been involved in relationships with other people’s spouses but said this had not been confirmed and would be looked into cautiously.
“Surely now I can’t confirm, but we are going to interest ourselves in that matter,” he added.
The Albertine Region Police spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, confirmed that investigations are ongoing, though initial efforts were hindered.
“We deployed a canine unit, but the scene had been tampered with. We are still investigating the matter,” Hakiza said.
He added that the coffin and panga have since been taken as exhibits at Hoima City West Police Station.
Hakiza said police had no confirmed information linking the incident to the alleged adultery claims but pledged to update the public as investigations progress.
“For now, just know we are investigating the matter. Let’s see what the findings will reveal,” he said.
The incident has heightened anxiety among residents, with many calling for increased security presence in the area as police work to establish the motive behind the alarming act.
