Two Arrested Over Murder of 8-Year-Old Boy in Mubende

Police in Mubende District have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of an eight-year-old boy, Ndyanabo Ian.

The deceased was the son of Mr. Ndyanabo Polini and Ms. Natwijuka Mary, residents of Katabalanga A Cell, Katabalanga Ward, South Division in Mubende Municipality.

According to the Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, SSP Lameck Kigozi, the child went missing on April 14, 2026, after he had gone to fetch water with his 10-year-old sister, Ndyanabo Gorreti. Gorreti reportedly left him at the well and returned home.

Their father later discovered the small jerrycans the boy had carried abandoned along the path to the well, prompting a search. He alerted local residents to help look for the child, although the matter was not immediately reported to the police.

On April 15, 2026, the boy’s body was discovered in a bush near the family’s coffee garden, bearing visible signs of a struggle. Police said the body had multiple bruises and the neck had been twisted, indicating possible strangulation.

A case was subsequently reported at Mubende Central Police Station, and a homicide team visited the scene, documented evidence, and recorded witness statements. The body was later taken to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Police have since arrested the deceased’s elder brother, 18-year-old Ndyanabo Derrick, who allegedly confessed to committing the crime with the help of Mwikiriza Ronald, 25, a suspect previously wanted in connection with a 2025 murder case.

Kigozi said Derrick is believed to have harboured resentment towards his siblings, accusing them of disrespect, and had allegedly intended to harm both children but only found Ian at the scene. He added that police suspect the teenager may have been under the influence of substances at the time of the incident.

Mwikiriza has also reportedly confessed to both this crime and the earlier murder case.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once the Resident State Attorney in Mubende sanctions the charges.