Police have arrested a traditional healer and a moneylender in connection with the murder of Jackline Natukunda, a resident of Lukaya, whose head was found dumped in Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, Masaka District.
The suspects were arrested following investigations into the gruesome murder in which the victim’s head was discovered wrapped in a white polythene bag along the Kako–Mukungwe Road on September 29, 2026, while her headless body was later recovered from Butale Cell in Kyanamukaka.
Twaha Kasirye, the spokesperson for Masaka East and West, said the two suspects were arrested after detectives conducted investigations into the murder and established possible links to other killings.
The suspects have been identified as Kamugisha Kulaishi, 38, a moneylender and resident of Kasala LC I in Nyendo-Mukungwe, who is considered the principal suspect, and a traditional healer from Kyotera District, who is alleged to have commissioned the procurement of human body parts.
According to Kasirye, the principal suspect led detectives and Scenes of Crime Officers through a reconstruction of the crime scene, where he reportedly demonstrated how and where he allegedly picked up the victim from Lukaya before killing her.
“The suspect reportedly demonstrated how and where he picked up the victim from Lukaya before murdering her,” Kasirye said.
He added that the principal suspect had allegedly told investigators that the traditional healer hired him to obtain human body parts.
“The suspect further informed investigators that he had allegedly been hired by the traditional healer to procure human body parts for Shs2 million, of which Shs250,000 had been paid in advance,” Kasirye said.
Police investigations have also linked the principal suspect to two other murders reported in Nsangi, Wakiso District, and Sanga.
Kasirye said the suspect allegedly disclosed that he had consumed the heart of one of the victims in one of the incidents.
“In one of the incidents, the suspect allegedly disclosed that he consumed the victim’s heart,” Kasirye said, adding that the allegations remain subject to further investigation.
During a search at the principal suspect’s residence, detectives recovered a jacket, a pair of gumboots, a saucepan and other items suspected to be associated with ritual activities.
“The recovered exhibits have been secured for forensic examination to support ongoing investigations,” Kasirye said.
Both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Natukunda’s death and their possible involvement in other murder cases.
