Ruben Tumushabe, Muhumuza’s father, suspects that the person behind the killings could be familiar with the area, citing the behaviour of police sniffer dogs during the search.
Police in Lwengo district are investigating the murder of two nursery school pupils whose bodies were discovered dumped in a bush days after they went missing while returning home from school.
The deceased have been identified as Hillary Ssebulime, 6, and Lawrence Muhumuza, 4, both pupils of Good Hope Nursery School in Kyakweribiire.
The children went missing on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Kyamataffali Village, Mpumudde Parish, Ngugwe Sub-county, prompting a search by their families and local residents.
John Ssengonzi, Ssebulime’s father, said he became worried after his son failed to return home at the usual time.
“He went to school with his colleagues as usual on Monday, but by 1:00pm, the time they normally return home, my son had not arrived. His mother called me and informed me that he was missing,” Ssengonzi said.
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Ruben Tumushabe, Muhumuza’s father, suspects that the person behind the killings could be familiar with the area, citing the behaviour of police sniffer dogs during the search.
He said the dogs appeared to concentrate their search around the village, raising suspicion that the perpetrator could be a resident.
The murders have triggered fear and anger among residents, some of whom suspect that the children could have been killed for ritual purposes. They have pointed fingers at suspected traditional healers in the area, although police have not established the motive behind the killings.
Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the murders and apprehend those responsible.
Kasirye condemned the killings and urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for the safety of young children, particularly nursery school pupils.
“We condemn such acts and urge parents to always pick up their young children from school. How can a nursery school child be expected to find their way home alone? We condemn this kind of negligence by parents,” Kasirye said.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Bonaventure Lwatangabo also condemned the killings and pledged to launch an operation targeting suspected fraudulent traditional healers in the area.
“We are going to start an operation targeting the shrines of fake traditional healers. If we establish that they are behind such acts, we shall take action, including burning down their shrines,” Lwatangabo said.
Police investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the murders and identify those responsible.