Police in Rukungiri District, South Western Uganda, have detained a 37-year-old man accused of beheading his two-year-old daughter.
The suspect, identified as Willy Musinguzi, was arrested on Monday and is currently being held at Rukungiri Central Police Station.
Authorities report that Musinguzi separated from his wife, Elizabeth Namutebi Zainabu, in January 2024. Following the separation, their two children, Babra Ainomugisha (6) and Owembabazi Rachael (2), remained in his care and were being looked after by their grandparents, Koshaba Mauda and John Turyahabwe, residents of Nyamayenje “A” cell, Ndorero ward in Rukungiri Southern Division.
The incident occurred on February 17, 2025, around 5:30 pm. While the children and their grandparents were inside their house sorting groundnuts, Musinguzi reportedly entered, took Owembabazi, and carried her to his home. Moments later, he returned with a panga while holding the child. Upon reaching the compound, he placed her face down and fatally cut her neck. Witnessing the act, Owembabazi’s sister ran inside in shock, alerting the grandparents, who immediately rushed outside.
Local leader Medard Byomuhangi apprehended Musinguzi from his house and handed him over to the police. Law enforcement officers visited and documented the crime scene, recorded witness statements, and recovered the weapon used in the attack. The child’s body was taken to Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the killing.
