A horrific and gruesome incident has shocked the community as 10-year-old Grace Nampijja Gift fell victim to a brutal murder that is believed to be a ritual sacrifice. The young pupil from Ben Francis Primary School in Kayabwe Town Council, Mpigi District, met a horrifying fate when her life was mercilessly taken away by unknown assailants. The incident occurred on a fateful Tuesday night when her body was discovered in a coffee plantation at Bukemba Village.
In an alarming act, the perpetrators of this heinous crime stabbed the innocent child in the neck, brutally dismembering her private parts and tongue, which were taken away. The local police have launched an intensive manhunt to bring the culprits to justice, but as of Friday afternoon, no arrests had been made.
Acting Katonga regional police spokesperson Majid Karim assured the public that the police force has left no stone unturned in their efforts to track down the perpetrators. He stated, “We are not going to leave any stone unturned. That is the assurance I can give the family of the victim. Our detectives are on the ground hunting the killers, and we shall get them sooner or later.”
The victim’s mother, Annet Namazzi, recounted the last moments she shared with her daughter before the tragedy unfolded. Nampijja had returned home from school, and after a cup of tea, she joined her friends to play. Later, at around 8 pm, she had porridge and left to watch TV at her aunt’s house nearby. When she failed to return after 9 pm, the family grew concerned and initiated a search.
It wasn’t until Wednesday morning that Nampijja’s lifeless body was discovered in a nearby garden, drenched in her own blood. Community members, including residents like Robert Ssebuliba, raised concerns about the presence of new settlers in the area who are suspected of being involved in ritual practices. Ssebuliba urged the police to expand their investigations and inspect shrines, which could be potential hiding places for the suspects.
Local leaders, including Kayabwe A and B LCII chairperson Isiah Kimbugwe, condemned the horrifying act while advising parents to be more vigilant, especially during the evening hours, to prevent such gruesome incidents from happening. The community is left in shock and sorrow, demanding justice for the brutal murder of young Nampijja.
