Double murder strikes Kahunge community

15 October 2025, 17:09

By Clare Nayebare

Shock gripped Nkarakara Cell, Kahunge, after 39-year-old Bagonza Peter, reportedly suffering from mental health issues, killed his five-year-old daughter and buried her in his compound. Villagers discovered the crime the following morning and lynched him in revenge. Police have recovered both bodies and launched an investigation.

Residents of Nkarakara Cell in Rubaba Ward, Kahunge Town Council, Kamwenge District, remain in shock after a man believed to have mental health problems allegedly killed his own daughter before being beaten to death by an angry mob.

Police investigate

According to PRO Vincent Twesige, the Rwenzori West police spokesperson, the suspect, Bagonza Peter, returned home late on Monday night in a mentally unstable state. When he did not find his wife at home, he went to his mother-in-law’s residence in search of her. The family, fearing his condition, reportedly fled, leaving behind the little girl, Mary Cynthia, aged five.

Bagonza is alleged to have taken the child back to his home, killed her, and buried her in his compound. The following morning, neighbours noticed a fresh grave with the child’s hand protruding and raised the alarm.

Residents quickly mobilised and went after Bagonza, who was subsequently beaten to death by the mob.

Police from Kahunge and Kamwenge stations visited the scene, exhumed the child’s body, and took both bodies for post-mortem examinations before handing them over to relatives for burial.

Police have confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.