Uganda: Man Found Dead in Family Well After Calling On Mother

19 September 2024

Fred Mutesasira called on his mother at her home in Bruhane Zone in Kinoni Town Council, Lwengo District, but hours later his body was found floating in the family well.

Mutesasira, 40, had not found his mother home when her called on her and had decided to hang around the compound as he waited for her return.

Mutesasira, who had recently married in the past month, had travelled from his home in Lusaarira, Ssembabule.

At around 8pm, family members tried calling him to join them for dinner, but there was no response.

"After some time, we went outside to look for him, and that's when we saw his body floating in a well that was dug in the compound," a family member said.

Mutesasira, described by residents as a devoted husband and father of six children from a previous marriage, is believed to have taken his own life.

His death is suspected to be connected to an ongoing land dispute, with reports indicating that wealthy individuals were attempting to seize his property.

Bruhane defence leader Sulait Masembe revealed that Mutesasira had expressed feelings of hopelessness over the land dispute, and residents recalled his struggles against intimidation and threats.

Mutesasira's mother, visibly distraught, recounted her last conversation with her son, unaware of the distress he was in.

"He told me he had just arrived home, but I couldn't reach him after that," she lamented.

Kinoni Town Council mayor Joseph Lubega Bazonoona condemned those exploiting vulnerable residents and called for community solidarity. He urged individuals facing property disputes to seek legal assistance rather than succumbing to despair.

Lwengo District Khadhi, Sheikh Ismail Kibuule, also expressed concern about the unprotected wells and ditches around homes, stating, "This tragedy highlights the urgent need for action to prevent such accidents in our community."

Kinoni police, led by Officer in Charge Moses Mayanja, faced difficulties in retrieving Mutesasira's body from the well.

After a lengthy effort, the body was eventually recovered and transported to the mortuary for further examination.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.