RUKUNGIRI – Police in Rukungiri District are investigating a tragic incident in which a father allegedly murdered his two-year-old daughter in cold blood.
According to Kigezi regional police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Willy Musinguzi, a porter at a construction site and a resident of Nyamayenje A Cell, Ndorero Ward, Southern Division in Rukungiri Municipality, is accused of killing his daughter, Rachel Owembabazi, by slashing her neck with a machete.
“The horrific incident occurred on February 17, 2025, at around 5:30 PM at his home,” Maate confirmed.
Reports indicate that Musinguzi had separated from his wife, Namutebi Zainabu Elizabeth, in January 2024. After the separation, their two children—six-year-old Ainomugisha Babra and two-year-old Owembabazi Rachel—were left in the care of their paternal grandparents, Koshaba Mauda and Turyahabwe John.
On the fateful evening, Musinguzi reportedly went to his parents’ home, picked up his younger daughter, and took her to his house. Shortly after, he returned with a machete, placed the child on the ground, and gruesomely slit her throat as her older sister, Babra, watched in horror from the doorway.
“The girl’s grandfather, Turyahabwe John, who was inside the house, was alerted by Babra’s panicked reaction. When he came outside, he witnessed the brutal killing,” Maate stated.
The child’s grandmother, Koshaba Mauda, immediately raised an alarm that attracted neighbors and the area chairperson, Byomuhangi Medard, who rushed to the scene. Medard, with the help of the community, arrested Musinguzi from his house and handed him over to the police.
Police officers visited and processed the crime scene, recovered the machete used in the killing, and recorded statements from eyewitnesses.
“The suspect is in police custody as investigations continue. The body of the deceased was taken to Rwakabengo HC3 mortuary for a postmortem,” Maate confirmed.
He added that inquiries are still ongoing to establish the motive behind the gruesome act.
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