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Police in Mityana on Thursday said they have arrested a suspect, who reportedly killed his 19-year-old wife Jesca Nakamatte, and a witchdoctor in whose shrine he was hiding.

Racheal Kawala, the Wamala Region Police spokesperson, said the ritual murder took place in Kitavujja LC1, Sekanyonyi Town Council in Mityana district.

“The suspects have been identified as 25-year-old Joseph Muwonge alias Kisenyi and Simon Lwanga,” she said in a statement.

Kawala said their Police task teams on November 11 arrested Muwonge in a shrine belonging to Lwanga after a tipoff by the residents. The shrine is located in Kawaala village, Kagele parish in Sekanyonyi town council, Mityana district. The two suspects are currently held Mityana Central Police Station.

“On November 7, 2023, at approximately 3:00 pm, the Police were informed of the discovery of the deceased, Nakamatte, a resident of the same location, in an advanced state of decomposition within rental properties owned by Rose Nnaku in Kitavujja LC1, Ssekanyonyi Town Council, Mityana district. 

"The condition of the body strongly suggested that the murder occurred roughly two weeks prior and that the body had been left within the house,” added Kawala.

She revealed that preliminary findings indicated a potential connection between the victim's tragic murder and domestic violence, with suspicion falling on her husband, Muwonge. This was further compounded by the fact that certain body parts, including the nose and tongue, were found missing.

Kawala said the file would be submitted to the Office Directorate of Public Prosecutions for further guidance and possible sanctioning.