Police Arrest Suspect in Murder of Six-Year-Old Boy Found Strangled in Mayuge
MAYUGE, Uganda – Police in Mayuge District have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a six-year-old boy whose body was discovered strangled in Budhebela Village, Mayuge Town Council.
The suspect, identified as Yusuf Musengule, 32, a resident of Macheche Village in Busakila Sub-county, is currently in police custody as detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Child’s Body Found in Budhebela Village
The victim, James Abitanaye, was found dead in Budhebela Village, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting an intensive police investigation.
Musengule was arrested following a surveillance operation mounted by security agencies in the area where the child’s body was recovered.
According to local leaders, the suspect’s presence near the crime scene raised concerns among residents, ultimately leading to his detention.
Village Leader’s Suspicion Leads to Arrest
Budhebela Village LC1 Vice Chairperson Richard Jengo said he became suspicious after spotting Musengule loitering near his home shortly after the murder.
Jengo said he approached the suspect and questioned him about his presence in the village, but received inconsistent explanations.
“I found him around my home dressed in a jacket and started questioning him, but his answers were not consistent,” Jengo said.
As more residents gathered, Musengule reportedly claimed he had come to visit Faruku Isabirye, a man he alleged had previously sold him sand.
However, when Isabirye was summoned to verify the claim, the suspect reportedly failed to recognize him, further deepening suspicions.
Musengule later changed his story, telling residents he had simply come to look around the village.
Residents Hand Suspect to Police
Community members, unconvinced by the suspect’s explanations and concerned about his unexplained presence near the crime scene, decided to hand him over to police at Mayuge Central Police Station.
The arrest has been welcomed by residents seeking answers regarding the killing of the young boy.
Police Warn Against Mob Justice
Speaking to residents and members of the deceased’s family, Mayuge District Police Community Liaison Officer George Samuel Masolo praised the community for cooperating with law enforcement and avoiding acts of mob justice.
Masolo reminded residents that taking the law into their own hands is a criminal offence and urged them to allow investigators to handle the matter through legal channels.
“We appreciate the community for handing over the suspect to police instead of resorting to mob justice. Investigations will determine whether he was involved in the murder,” Masolo said.
He added that if sufficient evidence is found linking the suspect to the crime, he will be formally charged and prosecuted.
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities have called on anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and cooperate with detectives.
Police say gathering witness accounts and community intelligence remains critical in establishing what happened before the child’s death.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the burial of James Abitanaye, which is scheduled to take place on June 23, 2026, in Kasambira Village, Kamuli District.
Investigations Continue
The murder has sparked concern among residents in Mayuge and neighboring districts, with community leaders calling for justice for the young victim.
Police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all leads will be thoroughly examined to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
