Police in Luuka District have launched investigations into a tragic domestic incident that claimed three lives in Bugonza village, Nawaka Parish, Ikumbya Sub-county.
The grim discovery has left residents in disbelief after a young man reportedly murdered his wife and baby daughter before hanging himself.
The suspect identified as Mukasa Joshua, 26, is believed to have killed his 20-year-old wife, Kafuko Winnie, along with their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Tracy.
He then took his own life by hanging on an avocado tree located just a short distance from where the bodies of his wife and child were found.
Local leaders say the tragedy stems from ongoing domestic violence within the couple’s household.
Area LC1 chairperson Mr. Okurut John disclosed that community members and leaders had previously tried to mediate their disputes.
“The two have been having misunderstandings, and as local authorities, we’ve been settling them. However, it’s very unfortunate that this has happened,” Mr. Okurut said. He appealed to residents to seek help in resolving domestic issues to avoid similar outcomes.” urging residents to always seek help from local leaders to resolve domestic conflicts peacefully.”
Police say preliminary investigations confirm domestic violence as the root cause of the incident. According to Busoga North Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha, Mukasa allegedly tricked his wife into accompanying him to a charcoal kiln on the day of the murders.
“It has been reported that the husband asked his wife to escort him to the charcoal kiln, and that was their last appearance while alive. This is where the man developed a bad spirit and killed his wife and child before committing suicide,” said ASP Kasadha.
A suicide note recovered near Mukasa’s body pointed to domestic wrangles as the motive. The note also guided police to the location where the victims’ bodies had been left.
All three bodies were transported to Kiyunga Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examinations as investigations continue.
