IGANGA – Shock gripped residents of Kakoola A village in Ivukula Town Council in Namutumba district on Monday after one of the area dwellers allegedly, murdered his six-year-old son before taking his own life.
Elimiya Kawula, according to Diana Nandaula – the Busoga East Police Regional spokesperson, reportedly killed his son, Banire Kahereza before hanging himself in the wee hours of Monday, following a protracted domestic wrangle..
It is alleged that Kawula engaged in a fierce fight with his wife, Deborah Mutiibwa who collapsed after sustaining serious injuries on the head. Mutiibwa, currently receiving treatment at Ivukula Health Centre IV, narrated that on suspecting that she had died; Kawula hit their son with an axe on the head, locked up the house, and strangled himself in the entrance area.
Mutiibwa said she was rescued by passers-by who forcefully opened the door after hearing her wailing helplessly in the house.
The area LCI Chairperson, Paul Musenero, recounted that the young couple had seemingly been living happily without any known history of domestic violence for the past five years.
“This news shocked most of us because these two have been a point of reference for other young couples following their exhibition of unity before their neighbours and the entire community. They would pray together and jointly operate a retail shop in our trading centre – it is sad that this incident happened,” he said.
Nandawula, confirmed the incident, saying a team of detectives had commenced investigations into the incident. She advised community members to desist from acts of domestic violence and embrace conflict resolution by seeking marital counselling services from the Police Child and Family Protection Unit, elders or Religious leaders.
She said the bodies of the decision had been transferred to Iganga General Hospital for post-mortem.
Additional reporting by URN
