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Traditional healer killed in suspected mob attack in Nakaseke
Preliminary information indicates that some of Kawuki's children allegedly suspected that their father's death was connected to Ssemuddu, although police have not established any evidence to substantiate the allegation.
According to preliminary police information, a group of residents allegedly attacked Ssemuddu and fatally assaulted him with stones, sticks and other blunt objects.
By: Simon Masaba, Journalist @New Vision
NAKASEKE - Police in Nakaseke district are investigating the suspected mob killing of a 50-year-old traditional healer and the burning of a vehicle following an attack in Sebuguzi village, Kisimula parish, Kapeeka sub-county.
The incident occurred at about 4:30 pm on September 4, 2026, according to police.
The deceased was identified as Ben Ssemuddu, a traditional healer and resident of Sebuguzi village.
According to preliminary police information, a group of residents allegedly attacked Ssemuddu and fatally assaulted him with stones, sticks and other blunt objects.
Police said the attack was reportedly linked to allegations made by children who had attended the burial of Jasper Kawuki, a resident of Bukakala village in the same parish.
Kawuki was reportedly Ssemuddu's brother and had been buried earlier in the day. Police said Ssemuddu did not attend the burial.
Preliminary information indicates that some of Kawuki's children allegedly suspected that their father's death was connected to Ssemuddu, although police have not established any evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The suspicion reportedly triggered the confrontation in which Ssemuddu was attacked.
During the incident, a black Toyota Wish, registration number UBD 702B, was also burnt. The vehicle reportedly belonged to Deborah Nakagwa, who had allegedly gone to Ssemuddu's shrine seeking treatment.
Police said Ssemuddu had reportedly sold most of his land in the village and remained with a small plot where he lived. He had recently converted his house into a shrine after reportedly spending much of his life in Kampala.
Family members reportedly told investigators that they had lost three relatives within a week under circumstances they considered unclear. They also said Ssemuddu had not attended the burials of any of the relatives, who were reportedly members of his extended family.
Preliminary information indicates that some of Kawuki's children allegedly suspected that their father's death was connected to Ssemuddu, although police have not established any evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The suspicion reportedly triggered the confrontation in which Ssemuddu was attacked.
During the incident, a black Toyota Wish, registration number UBD 702B, was also burnt. The vehicle reportedly belonged to Deborah Nakagwa, who had allegedly gone to Ssemuddu's shrine seeking treatment.
Police said Ssemuddu had reportedly sold most of his land in the village and remained with a small plot where he lived. He had recently converted his house into a shrine after reportedly spending much of his life in Kampala.
Family members reportedly told investigators that they had lost three relatives within a week under circumstances they considered unclear. They also said Ssemuddu had not attended the burials of any of the relatives, who were reportedly members of his extended family.
Police, however, said the circumstances surrounding those deaths and any possible connection to Ssemuddu remain subject to investigation.
A team led by the Nakaseke district police commander visited the scene and commenced investigations.
One suspect has been arrested to assist investigators, while other people suspected to have participated in the attack remain at large.
The body was conveyed to Nakaseke Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Sam Twineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances that led to the attack and identify all those involved.
He cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands based on unverified allegations.
Police said further inquiries would focus on the events surrounding Ssemuddu's death, the burning of the vehicle and the allegations that preceded the attack.
A team led by the Nakaseke district police commander visited the scene and commenced investigations.
One suspect has been arrested to assist investigators, while other people suspected to have participated in the attack remain at large.
The body was conveyed to Nakaseke Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Sam Twineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances that led to the attack and identify all those involved.
He cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands based on unverified allegations.
Police said further inquiries would focus on the events surrounding Ssemuddu's death, the burning of the vehicle and the allegations that preceded the attack.