Police in Mityana District have cautioned residents against cooking inside poorly ventilated living spaces following the death of a 48-year-old woman who is believed to have succumbed to carbon monoxide suffocation in her home.
The deceased, identified as Nakayiza Ruth, a peasant and resident of Mityana Central Cell in Mityana Municipality, was found dead after neighbours raised concerns about her whereabouts.
According to preliminary investigations, Nakayiza was last seen alive on June 14, 2026, when she operated her small business before closing for the day and returning home.
Three days later, on the morning of June 17, neighbours noticed a strong foul smell coming from her house, along with swarms of flies around the door, which had remained locked from the inside. Their concerns prompted them to alert relatives and local leaders.
A report was subsequently made to Namukozi Police Post by the LC I Chairperson of Mityana Central Cell.
Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi said homicide detectives from Mityana District Police, led by the District Police Commander, responded to the scene.
“Police officers, with the assistance of residents, forced entry into the house and discovered the deceased’s body in a decomposing state lying in a half-prone position,” Kigozi said.
Preliminary findings indicate that Nakayiza may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a charcoal stove used inside a poorly ventilated room.
“Our investigations suggest that the deceased was cooking with a charcoal stove inside a small and poorly ventilated room. The accumulation of carbon monoxide likely caused suffocation, leading to her death,” he explained.
Police have since used the incident to warn the public about the dangers of using charcoal stoves in enclosed living spaces, particularly at night.
“We strongly advise the public to avoid cooking inside bedrooms or dwelling houses with inadequate ventilation. Charcoal stoves produce dangerous gases that can cause suffocation and death, especially when people are asleep and unable to detect the danger,” Kigozi warned.
The incident has shocked residents of Mityana Central Cell, who described Nakayiza as a hardworking woman who largely lived alone and kept to herself.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and regularly check on neighbours, especially those living alone, in order to help prevent similar tragedies and ensure timely intervention during emergencies.