Two arrested as Police probe death of woman belonging to cult-like group
“The case was reported on April 28, 2026, after the victim’s relatives raised concerns over her disappearance in October 2025,” Owoyesigyire said.
Preliminary findings suggest the suspects were operating a cult-like group that discouraged medical treatment and proper burials. (File photo)
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Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) on Tuesday said they had arrested two people, including a relative to a dead woman, after her decomposing body was discovered inside the home of her sister.
KMP deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the Police in Kira division launched investigations into the matter that is now being treated as the suspected murder of a 52-year-old Oliver Naziwa, a resident of Kito A, Kirinya in Kira municipality, Wakiso district.
“The case was reported on April 28, 2026, after the victim’s relatives raised concerns over her disappearance in October 2025. On May 4, 2026, Police searched the suspects’ residence, where the body was discovered in a locked room, along with clothing identified as belonging to the deceased,” Owoyesigyire said.
He revealed that the two suspects, including Rose Nanyonjo, a relative of the deceased, have been arrested to assist with investigations.
“The scene was processed, statements recorded, and the body taken to City Mortuary for postmortem examination. Preliminary findings suggest the suspects were operating a cult-like group that discouraged medical treatment and proper burials,” Owoyesigyire added.
He said, Police strongly warn the public against engaging in or forming illegal cults, as such practices endanger lives and will be dealt with firmly.
Homicide cases
While launching the Annual Crime Report for the year 2025, the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, said 4,238 homicide cases were reported to Police in 2025, representing 2.2% of the total reported crimes during the year, compared to 4,329 cases reported in 2024, reflecting a 2.1% decrease.
Out of the homicide cases reported in 2025, a total of 1,286 cases were taken to Court, 314 were not proceeded with, while 2,638 remain under inquiry.
A total of 4,268 persons were victims of homicide, comprising of 3,397 male adults, 550 female adults, 173 male juveniles, and 148 female juveniles.
Comparison of Homicide (2022-2025)
Homicide cases decreased from 4,329 cases in 2024 to 4,238 in 2025. Analysis indicates that the motives behind these killings largely stem from land disputes, domestic violence, acts of mob justice, family misunderstandings, crimes of passion and business rivalries.
In 2025, the Rwizi Region recorded the highest number of homicide cases with 408, followed by North Kyoga with 274, Rwenzori West with 264, and Wamala with 219, while Sipi Region reported the lowest with 34 cases, followed by Rwenzori East with 42, North West Nile with 43, and Bukedi North with 49.
At the district/divisional level, Kyegegwa registered the highest number of homicide cases with 67, followed by Mubende and Kyenjojo with 58 each, Rukungiri with 54, Oyam with 53, Jinja with 48, Kakumiro and Masindi with 45 each, and Kiryandongo with 44.