Police in Rakai District have launched a manhunt for a suspect, identified as Rogers Musinguzi, who is accused of carrying out a brutal acid attack on his girlfriend, Buhangibwe Olivia, in a case believed to have stemmed from a financial dispute.
According to preliminary reports, Musinguzi allegedly attacked Olivia at Dyango Trading Centre after accusing her of failing to refund Shs 190,000 he had reportedly spent on her hairdressing training. It is further alleged that he became increasingly hostile after suspecting that Olivia no longer intended to marry him, despite earlier commitments between the two.
Residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the couple was widely known in the area and had been preparing to formalize their relationship through a traditional marriage ceremony.
“It is deeply disturbing and heartbreaking to see a relationship that many of us admired end in such a violent and tragic way. They always appeared happy together and openly talked about their plans to get married. No one could have imagined it would escalate into something this cruel. This has left the entire community in shock and fear,” one resident said.
Olivia is currently admitted to Rakai Hospital, where she is receiving intensive medical care after sustaining severe acid burns covering large parts of her body—from her head down to her feet. Medical staff say they are doing everything possible to stabilize her condition and save her life, although her injuries remain critical.
Police have since opened a case against the suspect and are actively pursuing leads to bring him to justice. The Masaka East Regional Police spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the development and strongly condemned the act, describing it as inhumane and criminal.
“We have launched a full-scale investigation into this horrifying incident, and a case has already been registered against the suspect, who is currently on the run. We want to assure the public that we are doing everything within our means to track him down and ensure he is arrested and prosecuted,” Kasirye said.
He added: “We urge anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to come forward and cooperate with the police. Acts of this nature will not be tolerated, and justice must prevail for the victim.”
Authorities have reiterated their appeal to the public to assist in locating the suspect, warning that harboring or aiding a fugitive is a punishable offense under the law.
The incident has once again drawn attention to rising cases of domestic violence in Rakai District, which remains one of the areas in the greater Masaka region reporting high levels of family-related conflicts and violent crime. Local leaders and law enforcement agencies continue to call for increased community awareness, improved conflict resolution mechanisms, and stronger enforcement of laws to curb such incidents.
As investigations continue, the community remains anxious, hoping for Olivia’s recovery and the swift arrest of the suspect.
