Rukungiri – Police in Rukungiri District are investigating a tragic case of filicide after a man allegedly murdered his two-year-old daughter in cold blood.
According to a statement by Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Maate Elly, the incident occurred on February 17, 2025, at around 5:30 PM in Nyamayenje A cell, Ndorero Ward, Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
The suspect, Musinguzi Willy (37), a porter at a construction site, is accused of cutting his daughter, Rachel Owembabazi (2), to death using a panga.
Reports indicate that Musinguzi had separated from his wife, Namutebi Zainabu Elizabeth, in January 2024, leaving their two children—Ainomugisha Babra (6) and Owembabazi Rachel (2)—under the care of their grandparents, Koshaba Mauda and Turyahabwe John.
“On the fateful evening, Musinguzi entered the grandparents’ home and took Rachel to his house. Moments later, he returned carrying the child, placed her on the ground face-down, and brutally slit her throat,” said ASP Maate Elly.
The horrific act was witnessed by Rachel’s six-year-old sister, Ainomugisha Babra, who ran into the house in shock, alerting their grandfather.
Hearing the child’s alarm, Turyahabwe John rushed outside and saw his granddaughter being murdered, prompting his wife, Koshaba Mauda, to raise an alarm that attracted neighbors, including the local area chairperson, Byomuhangi Medard.
The suspect was arrested at his house and handed over to police.
“The crime scene was visited, processed, and documented. Statements have been recorded from witnesses, the murder weapon (a panga) has been recovered, and the child’s body was taken to Rwakabengo HC3 mortuary for postmortem,” ASP Maate Elly confirmed.
Police investigations into the motive behind the gruesome murder are ongoing.
