Police in Kamuli District have detained 21-year-old Zainabu Mulungi on suspicion of murdering her one-year-old daughter, Hadija Nagawa, and clandestinely burying her in their backyard.
Mulungi is currently in police custody at Kamuli Central Police Station as investigations continue to uncover the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on March 9, 2025, in Nalinaibi village, Nawanyago sub-county. Locals grew concerned after noticing the child’s absence for two days. However, when questioned, Mulungi claimed she had taken her daughter to the hospital but later left home on Tuesday, only to be apprehended on Thursday in Kamuli Municipality.
A foul odor detected around 9 p.m. on March 14 led family members to discover a shallow grave in the backyard. Upon exhumation, the remains were identified as those of the missing child. Mulungi’s husband, Asuman Kabawo, was away in Mbulamuti sub-county at the time, attending to another household. He expressed shock upon learning of his daughter’s death, stating that prior to his departure, the child had been ill, and they had sought medical attention together.
Busoga North Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Michael Kasadha, lauded the community’s vigilance, noting that their prompt reporting facilitated the suspect’s arrest.
He had urged the public to remain observant and report any suspicious activities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
