Authorities in Mbale, Uganda, are investigating the death of 15-year-old Sumaya Edrissa, a student at Nakaloke Secondary School, whose lifeless body was discovered in a local guest house after she was allegedly strangled.
The suspect, identified only as “Iman,” remains at large, while the lodge manager has been arrested for negligence in a case that has sparked outrage and raised urgent questions about child safety.
Sumaya Edrissa was reportedly invited to the guest house by a man named Iman, who booked a room and later instructed his “girlfriend” to join him. According to preliminary reports, Sumaya arrived at the lodge and entered the room, where she was later found unclothed and unconscious. Police were alerted to the scene, but the suspect had already fled. Medical examinations confirmed strangulation as the cause of death.
Mbale police have launched a manhunt for Iman, whose full identity and whereabouts remain unknown. Meanwhile, the guest house manager was arrested for allegedly violating Uganda’s child protection laws by permitting a minor to enter the premises unsupervised. Under Ugandan law, establishments are required to verify the age of guests and prevent minors from accessing lodging without guardians.
The arrest underscores allegations of negligence in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
The tragic incident has ignited anger among residents, with local advocates demanding stricter enforcement of lodge regulations and accountability for those enabling exploitation of minors. Nakaloke Secondary School, where Sumaya was a student, has yet to issue a formal statement, though community leaders are calling for heightened awareness campaigns to protect adolescents from predatory behavior.
Uganda’s Child Act and related statutes criminalize child endangerment, with penalties for adults who facilitate harm to minors. However, enforcement gaps persist, particularly in informal lodging sectors.
Social media activists and residents alike are urging swift justice for Sumaya, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
“This case is a wake-up call,” said a local child rights advocate, who requested anonymity. “We must hold businesses accountable and educate our youth on recognizing dangerous situations.”
Authorities have appealed to the public for information regarding Iman’s identity or whereabouts. Police spokesperson John Kato reiterated their commitment to a thorough investigation, stating, “No stone will be left unturned in ensuring justice for Sumaya and her family.”
