By Our Reporter | The Eye Media
Police in Rubanda District have arrested a man accused of brutally torturing his two children, resulting in the death of his 10-year-old daughter in Bubaare Town Council.
The suspect, identified as Turihohabwe Matius, was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Kanaba “A” Village, following a horrific night of violence that has left the community in shock.
The victims have been identified as Natumanya Fortunate, a 10-year-old pupil at Kitagyenda Primary School, who died at the scene, and her brother, Robert Owomugisha, 13, also a pupil at the same school, who is now admitted at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital with serious injuries.
According to Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the gruesome ordeal began on Saturday evening, May 31, 2025, when the suspect accused Owomugisha of stealing Irish potatoes from an unidentified garden. At around 5:00 pm, the father allegedly tied the boy’s hands and locked him in a bedroom.
Later, when Natumanya returned home at around 7:00 pm with firewood, her father reportedly tied her up as well and placed her in the same room with her brother.
An eyewitness, Santurina Nshemerirwe, who is also the suspect’s sister, told police that she attempted to seek help, but her brother threatened her with a panga (machete), forcing her to stay indoors.
Throughout the night, the suspect allegedly beat both children severely until they were left breathless and helpless.
At around 2:00 am, the suspect called neighbours, claiming that Natumanya had taken some medicine and was in poor condition. When the neighbours arrived, they found that the girl had already died.
Local council chairperson Lawrence Turyahikayo was called to the scene and, with the help of residents, arrested Turihohabwe and handed him over to Bubaare Police Station. The injured Owomugisha was rushed to hospital.
Police conducted a full examination of the scene and a postmortem was performed. Turihohabwe remains in custody as investigations continue.
ASP Maate praised the community for acting lawfully and not taking matters into their own hands, and police used the incident to remind parents against using violence to discipline children.
