Rubanda, Uganda – A man in Rubanda has sparked widespread shock and outrage after his alleged involvement in a horrific incident that claimed the life of his biological daughter and left his son critically ill, fighting for his life in the hospital.
Turihohabwe Matius was apprehended by police on June 1, 2025, in connection with the murder and torture of his two children, which occurred around 3:00 AM in Kanaba A village, Bubaare ward, Bubaare Town Council.
The victims have been identified as Natumanya Fortune, 10, a pupil of Kitagyenda Primary School, who tragically lost her life, and Robert Owomugisha, 13, a pupil of the same school, who is currently admitted to Kabale Referral Hospital.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect allegedly subjected the children to severe physical abuse starting on May 31, 2025, at around 9:00 PM.
He allegedly tied up Owomugisha and Natumanya, taking them to a bedroom after accusing Owomugisha of stealing Irish potatoes from someone’s garden, where the two siblings were subjected to further abuse.
Kigezi Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed that the suspect’s sister, Nshemerirwe Santurina, witnessed the abuse and attempted to seek help but was threatened by the suspect.
After the children were left helpless, the suspect claimed that Natumanya had ingested medicine and woke up neighbors to check on her. Upon arrival, the neighbors found Natumanya deceased.
Following the mobilization of local residents by area chairman Lawrence Turyahikayo, the suspect was arrested and taken to Bubaare Police Station. The police visited the scene, documented evidence, and conducted a postmortem examination.
Maate said that the Officer in Charge of CID and Community Liaison Officer (CLO) conducted community policing at the scene, emphasizing the importance of restraint and thanking the community for not taking the law into their own hands.
The police cautioned parents against physical abuse and mistreatment of children and spouses, while the suspect remains in custody with investigations ongoing.
“Our officers visited the scene, documented evidence, and conducted a postmortem examination. The suspect is in custody for interrogation. We appreciate the community’s restraint in not taking the law into their own hands and urge parents to refrain from physical abuse and mistreatment of children and spouses,” said Elly Maate.
The surviving victim, Robert Owomugisha, receives medical attention at Kabale Referral Hospital, as police investigate the incident and urge community cooperation to ensure justice.