Kamuli District is once again reeling from a gruesome act of domestic violence after a 40-year-old woman allegedly mutilated her husband’s genitals in a late-night assault that has left the community stunned and law enforcement alarmed by a growing pattern.
The latest victim, Richard Masanka, aged 60, is currently admitted at Kamuli General Hospital after his wife, Rehema, allegedly attacked him while he slept at their home in Busoigo Cell, Kasoigo Ward, Northern Division of Kamuli Municipality.
The incident happened late on Friday night, June 6, 2025.
According to preliminary police investigations, Masanka had gone to bed around 11:00pm, leaving Rehema outside the house.
While he was asleep, she is said to have attempted to strangle him before proceeding to cut off one of his testicles. The motive behind the brutal act is still under investigation.
Masanka was first rushed to Kwagala Medical Centre in Buwenge-mpya for emergency attention before being referred to Kamuli General Hospital, where he remains under medical observation.
Busoga North Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Micheal Kasadha condemned the attack, warning that domestic violence—whether perpetrated by men or women—has devastating consequences.
“We condemn this attack in the strongest terms,” Kasadha said. “Violence in the home, regardless of the perpetrator’s gender, is unacceptable and has far-reaching consequences for families and communities.”
Police have since arrested Rehema and she is expected to be charged with attempted murder. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the assault.
This case is the latest in a disturbing series of genital mutilation attacks by women against their spouses in Kamuli District, raising alarm among residents, civil society actors, and law enforcement.
On February 18 this year, 35-year-old Kevina Nabirye was sentenced to 20 years in prison for mutilating her husband, Mathias Bwamiki, during a domestic argument in Buguwa Village.
The incident reportedly stemmed from accusations of infidelity and dissatisfaction in their intimate relationship.
Last year, in June 2024, another woman, Suzan Namuganza of Nabwigulu, allegedly cut off her husband Moses Kawubanya’s genitals after a heated quarrel.
The pattern of violence has prompted growing concern about the root causes and warning signs often ignored in strained marriages.
Domestic violence experts say such attacks reflect deeply entrenched issues in homes, ranging from poor communication and suppressed emotional trauma to economic stress and lack of access to mental health support.
“These cases indicate that unresolved tensions are boiling over into extreme violence,” said a local gender activist who requested anonymity to speak freely.
“Many couples live in silence, and when conflicts escalate, there is no system to mediate or defuse the situation safely.”
ASP Kasadha urged couples to seek help before letting disputes spiral into violence.
“We appeal to couples experiencing domestic challenges to seek professional counseling, mediation, or legal redress. Resorting to violence not only causes physical harm but tears families apart.”
Local leaders and civil society groups are now calling for stronger community-based support mechanisms, including accessible counselling centres, safe spaces for victims, and sensitisation programmes targeting both men and women.
Kamuli’s Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Benon Mugisha, said the district will be engaging cultural and religious leaders to help address the growing crisis.
“It is no longer enough to talk about domestic violence at policy level. We must intervene directly in the homes and communities where this pain is happening.”
As investigations continue into the assault on Masanka, many in Kamuli say urgent and sustained attention is required before more families are destroyed by violence that is fast becoming normalised.