By Our Reporter,
NTUNGAMO
A one-year-old baby girl has been found murdered, with her tongue and genitals missing, in Katunga West, Ihunga Sub-county, Kajara County, Ntungamo District.
The child, identified as Nicole Aryatwijuka, was reported missing on Sunday after she accompanied her mother to a church service at Katunga Church of Uganda. A case of a missing child was filed at Ihunga Police Station the same day.
Despite a frantic search by residents and authorities, efforts to locate the toddler were unsuccessful. Her lifeless body was discovered on Tuesday evening, abandoned in a nearby bush with several body parts, including her tongue and genitals, gruesomely removed.
Residents have linked the murder to suspected ritual practices and expressed growing concern for the safety of children in the area—especially as schools have reopened and many pupils walk long distances to attend classes.
“We are afraid to send our children to school or even allow them to play outside their homes,” said Sulaina Mpirirwe, a resident.
Speaking during a community gathering on Wednesday, Katunga West LC1 Chairperson David Rukundana condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. He also raised concern over the rising crime rate in the area and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
“This is a disturbing and unacceptable crime. We need a serious crackdown to restore safety in our community,” Rukundana said.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, although no arrests had been made by press time.
