Mother and Child Die in Suspected Poisoning as Seven Are Arrested Over Bushenyi Murder

Police are investigating the circumstances under which a mother and her child died, while two other children remain hospitalised following a suspected poisoning incident in Agago District.

The incident occurred on April 17, 2026, in Ngora Village, Ngora Parish, Paimol Sub-county. According to Uganda Police Force spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the deceased have been identified as Apio Esther, 38, a resident of Ngora East Village, and her three-year-old son, Chilenga Emmanuel.

Speaking during the weekly security press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Kituuma said the victims were discovered by a worker at Apio’s hotel. The worker reportedly found the house locked and, upon gaining access, discovered Apio and her children unconscious.

An alarm was raised, attracting neighbours who rushed the victims to Kalongo Hospital. Apio and her son were pronounced dead on arrival, while the two surviving children, aged 9 and 12, are currently receiving treatment.

Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the suspected poisoning and identify those responsible.

In a separate incident, police in the Greater Bushenyi Region have arrested seven suspects in connection with the murder of a 57-year-old businessman, Asimwe Abias, a resident of Kyandago Cell, Kashenyi Ward, Ishaka Division in Bushenyi District.

Kituuma said the incident occurred on April 18, 2026, at around 6:00 p.m. in Kashenyi. Through coordinated operations, police tracked and apprehended seven suspects believed to be linked to the murder. The suspects have been identified as Aikiriza Clinton, the prime suspect and a tenant of the deceased, Namusisi Bridget, Twinamatsiko Edgar, Mugisha Oswald, Keminyeto Helen, Ainomugisha Arnold, and Ninsima Sharon.

According to police, the arrests followed heightened community vigilance after the victim went missing. Suspicion arose when neighbours noticed bloodstains at Aikiriza’s premises, reportedly operating as Abba Inn bar and lodges.

Police recovered several exhibits, including burnt and dismembered body parts believed to belong to the deceased, which were allegedly concealed in the ceiling of one of the rooms. Other items recovered include a suspected murder weapon and petrol.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.