The Territorial Police in Rukiga has in custody, two suspects, Alaban, Mugisha 44 and Edwin Nuwamanya, for the alleged murder of two female siblings aged 10 and 14, after they were left behind by their parents to look after house in Rutoma cell, Nyakagabagaba parish, Rwamucucu sub-county in Rukiga district, as they went for burial at Wachebe village in Kyerero sub-county in Rukiga district.
The facts gathered indicate that Alaban Mugisha, after being sacked from his job by his former employer, Muhitana Jude, and replaced with Turinawe Regina, whom she started threatening with death. The suspect in conspiracy with Edwin Nuwamanya, took advantage of the parent’s absence on the nights of 18th – 19th October, 2022, to attack and kill the two children identified as Amumpiire Jackline, aged 14 and her younger brother, Vincent Akandwanaho, aged 10, both pupils of Kiholizo Primary School. The two suspects were tracked down and arrested. Two hoes containing suspected blood stains were recovered for further forensic examination.
When the parents returned on the 20.10.2022 at around 4pm, they found the door shut but not locked, and thought their children had gone to play. The mother then opened the window of her bedroom and saw her two children in her bed. Upon checking on them, she realised they had been killed.
It is horrifying that these two young siblings were murdered in exchange for revenge. It is therefore, important for parents to consider how mature a child is before leaving them home alone. A child should never be left at home alone, if they do not feel comfortable, regardless of their age. We continue to advise that babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone, children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period of time; children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight.
We urge parents that before leaving your child alone, you should;
– Leave a contact phone number and make sure you can answer it right away.
– Leave a separate contact list of people you trust, in case your child can not contact you
– Talk to your child before you leave about how to stay safe, and tell them not to open the door or invite strangers into the house.
– Make sure dangerous objects like machetes and knives are out of reach, and that all medicines (drugs) and dangerous chemicals are locked away.
– Leave clear instructions on and practice what to do in case of an emergency (like a fire).
– Check in on your child regularly, while you are out until they have built up confidence.
– Make sure your child knows how to be safe online while you are out.
– Tell them what time you will be back and do not be late.
– Set some basic rules about what they can and can not do, while you are out.
– Teach them basic first aid.
– Make sure they have access to adequate food and drink.
– Make sure that the young person does not bring other friends in to the house without your permission.
– Make sure you have no planned deliveries during this time.
– If the child needs an older sibling or care taker consider it before leaving.
It is always important to make sure your child is happy and safe to be left alone. If they are not confident about being left alone, you need to make other arrangements or have some one you trust to look after them.
These incidents indicate that child murders are real. Many children are at risk of homicide by enemies of their parents. We strongly condemn such acts of brutality, where the suspect was rife with jealously and rage, after losing his job.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
24th October 2022
