Police investigate gruesome murder of 15-year-old girl in Kibaale

23 February 2026, 2:52 am

By Kato Joseph

Kibaale

Police in Kibaale District have launched investigations into the brutal murder of a 15-year-old girl by unknown assailants.

The deceased has been identified as Phionah Nakamate, daughter of Leonard Irumba, residents of Kigaaza Village in Bwamiramira Sub county, Kibaale District.

It is alleged that Nakamate was first raped and then murdered on Sunday night, with her body later found in the bush a few metres from the home of Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, in Buyanja Cell, Kibaale Town Council.

Detectives from Kibaale Police, assisted by a sniffer dog, traced leads to Sky Zone Bar and Lodge in Karuguuza Town, where they arrested the two bar co-owners, Tom Baguma and Emmanuel Ndolereire, along with 20 bar attendants, to support police investigations.

Racheal Wakole, Kibaale District Criminal Investigations Officer, confirmed the arrests and stated that police recovered a metal screw and a pregnancy test (HCG) at the scene.

Commenting on the incident, Minister Kasaija condemned the murder and urged the police to expedite investigations to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Chairperson of Buyanja Cell, Martin Lukyamuzi, has condemned the act, urging parents to remain vigilant and prioritise the safety of their children.