KAMPALA, Uganda — Police in Kabalagala are holding a 34-year-old security guard in connection with an alleged arson attack and attempted murder that left a woman and her five-year-old son injured in Namuwongo, Kampala.
The suspect, identified as Godfrey Okenyan, is a resident of Tebaleka Zone in Namuwongo Parish, Makindye Division. The victims are Apio Sharon, 29, a resident of Kanyogoga Zone in Namuwongo Parish, and her five-year-old son.
According to preliminary police investigations, Okenyan and Apio had been in a romantic relationship that reportedly turned sour following a misunderstanding on May 20, 2026.
Police allege that during the disagreement, the suspect confiscated Apio’s mobile phone and took it to his residence. Apio later followed up on the phone and reportedly spent the night at the suspect’s house.
Investigators say that on the following day, Okenyan allegedly locked Apio inside his room before leaving for work. He is said to have returned in the evening but still refused to let her leave.
On the morning of May 22, Apio reportedly sought help from a neighbour after spending the night confined in the room. She was eventually released at around 10am and allegedly informed the suspect that she no longer wished to continue with the relationship.
Police say Apio later returned to her residence after work, where she was informed that the suspect had earlier appeared at her premises. She later went to bed together with her son and sister.
“At around 11pm, the victim was reportedly awakened by flames inside her room. She and her son sustained burn injuries before neighbours and relatives intervened to rescue them,” Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said.
Kawala added that the matter was subsequently reported to police, leading to the arrest of the suspect, who is currently detained at Kabalagala Police Station as investigations continue.
Police have since condemned acts of domestic violence and urged members of the public to seek peaceful means of resolving relationship disputes.
