Unanswered questions on ex-police boss' death

CRIME | SUSPENSE | INTRIGUE

KAMPALA - The mysterious death of Senior Superintendent of Police Julius Ahimbisibwe — whose body was found inside a septic tank at his home — has sparked suspicion. With no clear explanation of how he could have tied himself up, fallen into the tank and had it sealed afterward, authorities are treating the case with heightened scrutiny. 

As Police detain four suspects, including his widow, questions mount over whether this was a tragic suicide or a carefully concealed crime, writes Stuart Yiga

The death of Senior Superintendent of Police Julius Ahimbisibwe, whose body was discovered inside a septic tank at his residence in Nakitokolo village, Kyengera town council in Wakiso district, has left more questions than answers. 

Friends and relatives expressed shock and skepticism over the circumstances of his death. One relative questioned how someone could allegedly tie themselves up, open a septic tank, fall inside and then have it covered afterward. 

“Bodies in septic tanks usually take time to be discovered. Why was this case different? There were also no prior reports of distress, threats, or unusual behaviour from the officer before this incident. Something doesn’t add up,” a family member said. 

Initial reports suggested that Ahimbisibwe used a cloth tied around his neck, which later tore, causing him to fall into the sewage-filled tank. However, doubts surrounding the incident prompted Police to take action. 

Four arrested 

On April 22, the Police arrested four suspects, including the deceased’s widow, Anita Namusoke; a domestic worker, a neighbour only identified as Abdul and Ashiraf Ssemwogerere, a member of the local village council committee. 

Ssemwogerere claimed he received a distress call from Abdul around 3:00am about the incident and immediately alerted the area LCI chairperson, Augustine Walakira, who then informed the Police. Allen Namande, the area secretary for women’s affairs, said: “We thought the couple had reconciled after their previous disputes. There had been no reports of trouble until the husband’s death.” 

Unanswered questions 

• What is the relationship between Ahimbisibwe’s wife, Namusoke, and her neighbour Abdul, who was arrested at the scene of crime? 

• What compelled Namusoke and Abdul to check the septic tank at 2:00am in the night yet at the time, they were expected to be deep asleep? 

• How can someone hang themselves, and then, land in a septic tank? 

• How many people were in the house on the fateful night? 

• What is the exact location of the septic tank from the main house? 

• Did Ahimbisibwe and Namusoke reconcile following previous entanglements? 

• Who discovered Ahimbisibwe’s body first? 

• What was Abdul doing at Ahimbisibwe’s house in the wee hours of the night? 

• What did Ahimbisibwe say before he died? 

• Where did he tie the rope — if at all he did

A troubled past  

Experts point out that many security personnel face psychological strain due to family separation, overwork and financial difficulties. Ahimbisibwe’s case was no exception. 

A relative revealed: “He was initially suspended on half-pay, after shooting his wife. Later, he was interdicted, meaning he received no salary until his recent reinstatement — still at half-pay. This must have taken a severe mental toll.” 

It remains unclear where Ahimbisibwe stayed after his release from prison, but sources told The Weekend Vision that he was seen at his home on Good Friday — the same day his wife was present. 

Inconsistencies
 
Detectives are focusing on how the deceased allegedly hanged himself yet ended up in the septic tank. 

“We are investigating whether the tank was open when he entered, how he tied the rope, and where it was anchored,” an investigator said. 

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated that the investigation remains open. 

“A rope around the neck alone doesn’t confirm suicide. We are considering all possibilities — past pressures, sudden triggers, or foul play. The post-mortem will be crucial,” Kituuma said. 

History of violence 

In March last year, the Police raided Ahimbisibwe’s home after he allegedly shot and injured his wife during an argument. He was later tried in a Police court for violent conduct and firearm mismanagement. 

The court recommended his demotion from Senior Superintendent of Police to Superintendent of Police, a decision that devastated him. 

A senior officer, speaking anonymously, said: “After his demotion, he frequently visited Naguru Police Headquarters, seeking full reinstatement and a new deployment.” 

Before his Police trial, his estranged wife had taken him to civil court, but the case was reportedly dismissed after a witness turned hostile. 

“This allowed him to negotiate with his superiors until he was reinstated on half-pay. By then, he had already spent two months in Luzira Prison before being released on bail,” another officer disclosed. 

Career cut short 

Born on December 22, 1979, Ahimbisibwe served as Jinja Road Division Police Commander and held similar positions in Mubende, Mpigi, and Kabalagala. 

His sudden and bizarre death has left colleagues and family demanding answers. As investigations continue, many await conclusive evidence to determine whether this was a tragic suicide — or something more sinister. 

Previous septic tank murders 

In 2021, security apprehended Francis Onebe, after his wife’s remains were discovered in their home septic tank, located in Munyonyo, in Makindye Division. 

To date, the suspect is still in Luzira Prisons as he battles with murder in the High court. Others include Esther Mulelenge, whose body was found in a septic tank two years later, in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe district. 

She went missing and her whereabouts had not been known until her remains were discovered in September last year, while Patrick Turyasingura’s body and another one, were in 2022, discovered from the septic tank at the residence of Charles and Naome Tumwine in Kabowa, a city suburb, in Rubaga division. 

Also prominent among the incidents was Brenda Karamuzi’s remains, which were found in a septic tank after she was reportedly murdered by her boyfriend — Tom Nkurungira, a businessman who was commonly known as Tonku.