Police in Mityana District have launched a manhunt for a 35-year-old man accused of murdering his estranged wife after reportedly failing to convince her to return to their matrimonial home.
The deceased, identified as Sherina Namatovu, 23, a resident of Nakitolo Cell in Ttanda Ward, Ttamu Division, was found dead in a cassava garden near a railway line on the morning of May 24, 2026.
Authorities suspect she was strangled following a domestic dispute with her husband, Nsubuga Dube, a resident of Kasozo Village in Zigoti Town Council.
According to preliminary police investigations, the couple had separated some time back after misunderstandings in their marriage. Sherina reportedly left her husband’s home with their child and returned to stay with relatives in Mityana Municipality.
Police say the suspect had on several occasions attempted to persuade the deceased to reconcile with him and return home, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Witnesses further allege that the suspect had repeatedly threatened to harm the woman if she refused to reunite with him.
The incident is believed to have occurred shortly after the two attended a traditional introduction ceremony held in the village of the deceased on the night of May 23, 2026. Witnesses reportedly saw the suspect seated with Sherina during the function while trying to convince her to return home.
“At around 12:35am, the two were seen leaving the ceremony together,” said Lameck Kigozi. “It is suspected that along the way, the woman again declined to go back to the suspect’s home, leading to a confrontation in which she was strangled to death.”
Police detectives and homicide officers from Mityana Police Station later visited the scene and documented evidence linked to the suspected murder.
According to SSP Kigozi, investigators observed visible abrasions around the deceased’s neck and found her tongue protruding, signs consistent with strangulation. The scene also showed indications of a violent struggle.
“The victim’s undergarment was recovered about five metres away from the body, while the deceased was found half naked dressed only in leggings,” Kigozi explained. “This suggested that there had been a scuffle before the killing.”
The body was later taken to Mityana Hospital for a postmortem examination as detectives recorded statements from witnesses to aid investigations.
Police have since intensified the search for the suspect, who remains on the run.
“We are doing everything possible to apprehend the suspect so that he can answer charges related to this crime,” SSP Kigozi noted.
The incident has once again raised concern over rising cases of domestic violence and relationship-related killings in communities across Uganda, with leaders and activists continuing to call for peaceful conflict resolution and timely reporting of threats within families.
