Uganda: 14-year-old boy killed in suspected ritual sacrifice in Luwero

Shock and grief have gripped residents of Bugabo Village in Kamira sub-county, Luwero District, following the gruesome killing of 14-year-old Ssaava Muntu, in what police are investigating as a suspected ritual sacrifice.

According to the police in Luwero, the chain of events that led to the boy's death began days earlier, away from the now blood-stained hilltop of Mayembe Gambogo.

Investigators say the teenager had been facing repeated torture at home, including frequent beatings, allegedly by his father, identified only as Kalyango, also known as Konoweeka.

Unable to endure the mistreatment, Ssaava reportedly fled home and spent five days in hiding at the home of a woman identified as Nakayima Nalongo. His disappearance, however, was short-lived.

Police say Lule Godfrey, also known as Kutesa, a neighbour to the family, was instructed by the father to retrieve the boy.

Lule reportedly picked Ssaava from Nakayima's home and returned him not to safety, but to a hilltop known as Mayembe Gambogo, a site locally associated with traditional spiritual rituals.

On the evening of March 1, 2026, the boy was taken to the hilltop. A meal allegedly prepared by his mother, Christine Nabuuma, alias Mumbejja, was brought there. After feasting, the group reportedly spent the night at the site, allegedly conducting rituals at an altar.

What happened next has left even investigators disturbed.

According to police, in the wee hours of the morning, Lule allegedly attacked the boy with a panga, inflicting deep and fatal wounds, causing instant death.

In a statement recorded at the police station, Lule claimed that he was asleep and dreamt that Kalyango and his 14-year-old son were strangling him with a rope.

He told investigators that in the dream, he struggled to free himself, grabbed a panga he had slept with, and hacked them in self-defence.

But when he woke up, he said, he found that he had indeed cut the boy, who was lying lifeless beside him.

Police say the suspect attempted to flee after the incident, but an alarm raised by the boy's mother attracted the attention of residents, leading to his arrest.

The mother was also arrested as investigations widened into possible ritual involvement and the roles played by other family members.

The crime scene was secured and documented, and exhibits, including the suspected murder weapon, blood samples, and stained clothing, were recovered.

The body was conveyed to Luwero Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Savannah Regional Police spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima confirmed that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact motive, determine whether ritual practices were involved, and identify any additional suspects.

The whereabouts of the deceased's father, Kalyango — whose instructions are said to have set events in motion — had not been confirmed at the time of filing this report.