(Masindi) – What began as a routine day of cattle grazing for 16 year old Costa Bakanya ended in tragedy when she was kidnapped and later found dead under horrific circumstances. Costa’s body was discovered on November 18, 2024, floating on the shores of Lake Kyoga, a few days after her abduction.
Costa, a resident of Kibangya village in Kimengo sub-county, had recently completed Primary Seven at Kayeera Parents Primary School. On November 11, she went out to graze cattle, but did not return. Her disappearance prompted an immediate search by her family, but it was not until days later that the full extent of the tragedy was uncovered.
Two men, identified as Dickson and Amanya Rodgers, were arrested in connection with her disappearance. After being detained by police, they reportedly confessed to kidnapping, gang raping, and strangling Costa to death before dumping her body in River Kafu. The body was later discovered by fishermen at Kikaito landing site, located on Lake Kyoga in Kiryandongo district.
| Details of the Case | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | Costa Bakanya |
| Age | 16 |
| Date of Disappearance | November 11, 2024 |
| Date Body Discovered | November 18, 2024 |
| Arrested Suspects | Dickson, Amanya Rodgers |
| Location of Body Discovery | Kikaito landing site, Lake Kyoga, Kiryandongo |
Upon identification of the body by Costa’s brother, Nasasira Livingstone, the family was left to grapple with the pain of her loss. Her uncle, Steven Kamuhanda, described the shock and sorrow the family experienced, revealing that the search for Costa had initially yielded no results until the tragic discovery was made.
“We did not know that she had been subjected to such cruelty,” Kamuhanda said. “To know that she was gang-raped and strangled before being dumped in the river is beyond our comprehension.”
The arrest of Dickson and Rodgers was a moment of relief for the family, but their pain remains. The community of Kibangya village, represented by LC1 chairperson Mugisa Vincent, has condemned the brutal murder and called for justice.
Mugisa also pointed out the challenge of unregistered workers in the community, a situation that complicates the ability of local authorities to monitor security threats. He urged employers in the area to follow local regulations by registering workers with village chairpersons to enhance safety and accountability.
“The lack of worker registration is a major issue in our area. These men were not known to the LC1 office, and this is a security gap we must address,” Mugisa said.
In the wake of the tragedy, Simon Peter Ochitti, the officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Masindi, commended the cooperation of the community. He also emphasized the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and without resorting to mob justice.
“The suspects are in custody and will be charged in court for their crimes,” Ochitti confirmed.
