The body of 40-year-old catechist Living Aryanyijuka was discovered floating in the waters of River Rwabakazi at Kyanamira Bridge in Kyanamira Sub County on January 20, 2024. The incident left Kigezi Diocese Christians in disbelief.
Aryanyijuka, a resident of Katookye Cell in Kigata Parish, went missing on January 15, prompting concerns and a subsequent search by the community. His 38-year-old wife, Prudence Ninsiima, reported his disappearance, stating that he left home on his motorcycle around 10:00 am on Monday.
Distressingly, Ninsiima’s attempts to contact her husband proved futile as his phone was switched off. The concerned wife mobilized Christians and relatives to initiate a search, leading to the discovery of Aryanyijuka’s belongings, including his court, church books, bible, and receipt, abandoned at Nyakijumba along Kabale-Mbarara Road.
Kigezi region police spokesperson Elly Maate confirmed that a case of disappearance had been filed at Kabale Central Police Station. According to Maate, Aryanyijuka’s motorcycle was found abandoned at Rubira Village along Mbarara Road on January 16 by two good Samaritans who reported it to the LC2 chairman.
The grim discovery of Aryanyijuka’s body occurred on Saturday around 2:00 pm. As of Sunday morning, no suspects had been arrested in connection to the incident, as stated by Maate.
Expressing their sorrow, Kigata Church of Uganda Parish Priest Rev Sam Bahati condemned the apparent murder, emphasizing the irony of preaching the gospel while facing such tragic incidents. Describing Aryanyijuka as a disciplined servant of God, Rev Bahati urged the perpetrators to repent and appealed to the government to enhance security measures.
Police detectives, led by Kabale District Police Commander Joseph Bakarerke, conducted a postmortem on Aryanyijuka’s body before handing it over to the family and relatives. At the time of reporting on Sunday, burial arrangements were yet to be confirmed.
