Police in the Rwizi Region have arrested a suspect in connection with the gruesome murder of a 52-year-old woman in Rwampara District, in an incident that occurred shortly after she attended a campaign rally.
The suspect identified as Enock Atwebembire is accused of killing his aunt Medius Ninsiima, a resident of Kyonyo Cell, Bushwere Parish, Mwizi Sub-county.
According to police, the attack happened on January 4, 2026, at around 6:00 p.m., after the deceased left her home to buy salt from Rwentojo Trading Centre.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased delayed at Rwentojo Trading Centre where she encountered a campaign rally for a parliamentary candidate,” police said.
Police said that as Ninsiima returned home, she was ambushed just a short distance from her house.
“On her way back home, approximately 20 metres from her residence, she was attacked by an assailant armed with a panga, who inflicted four deep cuts on her head and injured the fingers of her right hand,” the police statement reads.
The victim reportedly raised an alarm that drew the attention of residents, but she later died from excessive bleeding. The assailant fled immediately after the attack.
Police said they swiftly responded to the incident and deployed a sniffer dog to aid investigations.
“Canine Hector was introduced at the scene and tracked a scent trail that led officers to a public gathering, where the suspect, Enock Atwebembire, was identified and arrested,” police noted.
Further inquiries revealed disturbing details linking the suspect to the victim.
“Investigations established that the suspect had previously been found hiding under the bed of the deceased while armed with a panga. It was also confirmed that the deceased was the aunt of the suspect,” police said.
Police say investigations into the murder are still ongoing as they prepare to have the suspect charged in court.
The killing has shocked residents of Mwizi Sub-county and raised concerns about violent crimes targeting women in rural communities.
