Police in Mubende District have arrested Genesis Dduhimbaazi, the manager of Prime Rose Hotel, over the alleged murder of a long-serving hotel employee, amid family claims that the killing may have involved ritual practices.
According to outgoing Wamala Region Police Spokesperson Racheal Kawala, Dduhimbaazi was arrested alongside two other suspects, Gideon Kwehangana and Yoram Tulinawe, following the discovery of the death of Ibrahim Mujuni, 35, a resident of Kisekeende Cell in Mubende Municipality.
Mujuni had worked at the hotel for more than five years.
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"We have arrested three people in connection with a murder case, and among them are Genesis Dduhimbaazi, the manager of Prime Rose Hotel, Gideon Kwehangana, and Yoram Tulinawe," said Kawala.
"This follows a report of a missing person, identified as Ibrahim Mujuni."
Preliminary police investigations show that Mujuni went missing on October 10. One of the suspects was reportedly seen carrying him on a motorcycle shortly before his death.
The deceased was accused of stealing charcoal and was allegedly beaten by his co-workers -- an assault Police say led to his death.
The suspects are currently detained at Mubende Central Police Station as inquiries continue.
Annet Nagawa, the wife of the deceased, said her husband disappeared after calling her one night saying he wanted to reveal a secret.
"His phone went off and remained unreachable for weeks. I started getting nightmares about his death," she said.
After days of uncertainty, family members began suspecting foul play.
"My in-laws and other people started getting concerned about his whereabouts, and some whispered that he had been killed, but they were afraid to reveal the truth," Nagawa said.
A breakthrough came when a man identified as Kanyankole, who worked on Dduhimbaazi's farm in Kirangwa, Buwekula South, confessed that Mujuni had been beaten by Dduhimbaazi after being accused of theft. Police later arrested Dduhimbaazi based on his testimony.
"It was in the evening when we saw Dduhimbaazi bring Mujuni, who had bruises all over his body. He dumped him under a tree before leaving for town," Kanyankole told police.
"When we got closer, Mujuni was in a very bad condition. We called the manager to pick him for treatment, but he delayed, and Mujuni died."
Kanyankole led police to the spot where Mujuni was secretly buried. Upon exhumation, the body was found missing several parts.
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"Three of my colleagues dug the grave and buried Mujuni. They later forced me to participate even though I was scared because he was my friend," Kanyankole said.
Family members expressed anger and disbelief over the incident. Nagawa said her husband had worked faithfully for the hotel, often handling deliveries and errands.
"My husband couldn't go a day without mentioning Dduhimbaazi. Everyone knew he worked for Prime Rose Hotel, and he even referred customers there," she said.
She now faces the burden of raising their two young children alone. "My children are still in school. I pray that court will prevail and bring us justice," she added.
Nagawa also suspects that witchcraft was involved, claiming her husband's tongue, a finger, and a foot were missing when his body was exhumed.
"I believe he was sacrificed," she alleged.
Babrah Ninsiima, the deceased's sister, condemned the alleged actions of the hotel's management.
"I wonder how such a trusted hotel in Mubende can commit such an offence. I'm worried about the safety of their clients if they can murder an employee," she said.
