Man arrested over fatal stabbing of step-sister in family feud

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Police in Nsangi on Sunday detained a 20-year-old man accused of stabbing to death his eight-year-old stepsister in what has been described as a revenge attack linked to a failed romantic relationship.

The suspect, Mahad Ssembuusi, allegedly murdered Zainabu Nakabugo in retaliation against his stepfather, Yusuf Bisegerwa, 38, a resident of Katereke in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso district.

It is alleged that Ssembuusi had accused Bisegerwa of forcing his 16-year-old daughter, Shadia, whom Ssembuusi reportedly considered his girlfriend, to have an abortion.

In a fit of anger and seeking revenge, Ssembuusi allegedly launched an attack on Bisegerwa, intending to kill him.

However, Bisegerwa fought back, sustaining serious injuries during the scuffle. It is further alleged that Ssembuusi then turned on Bisegerwa’s younger daughter, Nakabugo, stabbing her to death.

The incident, which occurred at around 7:00am on Sunday, May 25 2025, has been confirmed by Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire.

According to Owoyesigyire, police responded promptly to the scene and arrested two people: Ssembuusi, the prime suspect, and Bisegerwa’s older daughter, Shadia, who is said to have developed a romantic relationship with her stepbrother.

Bisegerwa, who was bleeding heavily, was rushed by residents to a nearby health facility, where he remained under treatment by press time on Sunday.

Police retrieved Nakabugo’s body and took it to the City Mortuary at Mulago. A knife believed to be the murder weapon was recovered from the scene.

“The girl died at the scene, which is unfortunate, but the father was evacuated quickly to the nearest health centre, where he was receiving treatment,” Owoyesigyire said.

He added: “Investigations are ongoing to ascertain what exactly happened, but the police are holding two suspects, including Ssembuusi.”

He further noted that police are investigating how the two step-siblings, Ssembuusi and Shadia, developed a romantic relationship and the circumstances surrounding the alleged abortion.

“The incident is related to a conviction to revenge because Ssembuusi accused his stepfather of aiding his alleged girlfriend to abort, but [the] matter is still under investigation and more info will be given when it comes,” he stated.