KIBOGA DISTRICT, 28 December 2025– Police in the Wamala Region have launched a massive manhunt for a farm laborer who allegedly murdered a four-year-old girl after a violent, drug-induced rampage on Christmas Day.
The suspect, identified only as John, is accused of killing young Namuwayo Janat in Kindeke Village, Kayera Subcounty, following a dispute fueled by romantic rejection and substance abuse.
According to a statement released by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lameck Kigozi, the horror began at approximately 3:30 PM on December 25th. Residents of a local farm reported that the suspect, a known marijuana addict, appeared to go “berserk.”
Armed with a panga (machete), the suspect first attacked a fellow worker, Nsubuga John. The suspect reportedly destroyed Nsubuga’s makeshift house before turning the weapon on him. Nsubuga narrowly escaped death by shielding his head with his arm, sustaining a deep wound before fleeing the scene.
The suspect then targeted Nakanjako Ruth, the mother of the deceased. Police reveal that the suspect had previously attempted to start a relationship with Nakanjako, but she had rejected him in favor of Nsubuga.
In the chaos of the attack, Nakanjako fled for her life, leaving her four-year-old daughter, Janat, behind. Police reports state the suspect then: Dragged the child into a nearby maize plantation, strangled the young girl to death, and mercilessly defiled the victim.
The child’s body was recovered by authorities on Sunday morning and transported to Kiboga Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Preliminary investigations suggest the motive was a combination of romantic jealousy and a drug-induced “rage.” Police believe the suspect intended to kill Nsubuga to “remain” with Nakanjako, but turned his violence toward the child when the adults escaped.
”The suspect is still at large and remains a dangerous person to the public,” warned SSP Lameck Kigozi.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts. According to police, he is considered armed and extremely dangerous.