Police in Rukungiri District have arrested a 24-year-old boda boda rider in connection with the brutal murder of 37-year-old Ayebazibwe Loyidah in Nyarubembe village, Buhunga sub-county.
The suspect, identified as Tumwijukye Amos, a resident of Katojo ward in Mbarara District, was apprehended following the murder, which occurred on the night of March 1, 2025.
Investigations reveal that Loyidah was embroiled in longstanding family disputes with her in-laws, who accused her of witchcraft. The conflict intensified after her mother-in-law, Kesente Jovaline, developed a chronic, non-healing wound in 2014. On February 28, while Amos was transporting Kesente to Mbarara Referral Hospital, they were involved in an accident, exacerbating the wound and causing severe bleeding.
Investigators believe Amos held Loyidah responsible for these misfortunes and subsequently plotted her murder. He allegedly purchased a knife in Mbarara before traveling to Rukungiri, where he visited Loyidah’s home on the evening of March 1. After sharing a meal, he persuaded her to accompany him to his mother’s home, along with her two children, Elvis and Tracy.
Upon arrival, Amos reportedly ambushed Loyidah, repeatedly striking her on the head and neck with a concealed pestle. When she attempted to flee, he fatally stabbed her in the neck. The children’s cries alerted neighbors, including local council chairperson Musasizi Benon, who immediately reported the incident to the police.
Police responded, documenting the crime scene and recovering key evidence, including the murder weapon and the suspect’s phone. Amos was tracked and arrested the following day at a lodge in Mabanga.
The victim’s body was taken to Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for a postmortem examination. Amos is currently detained at Rukungiri Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson ASP Maate Elly confirmed the incident, stating that detectives are actively pursuing further inquiries into the case.
