Kanung-Police in Kanungu District have launched a full-scale investigation after the body of an unidentified woman was discovered tied with ropes and packed in a green sack, floating in the River Ntungwa in Nyamirama Sub-county.
According to preliminary police reports, the body was discovered around 3:00 PM on Friday by a group of young boys who were fishing in the river. The boys noticed a green sack stuck in the water, and upon closer inspection, they were shocked to find a lifeless human body inside.
The boys immediately notified the LC1 Chairperson of Kanabizo Cell, who in turn sent his defense secretary, David Kasigeire, to report the incident to the police.
ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident. He said that a team of officers visited and documented the scene, and the body was retrieved from the water and taken to Kanungu Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination.
“The body was still fresh, indicating the woman may have been murdered earlier in the day before being dumped in the river,” Maate stated.
He noted that while the motive behind the killing remains unclear, police are treating the incident as a case of suspected homicide. The identity of the victim is still unknown.
Police have called upon members of the public who may be missing a relative or loved one to visit the mortuary at Kanungu Health Centre IV to assist in identification.
“We urge anyone who has a missing female relative to come forward and check the mortuary. Once identified, we can ensure a decent burial for the deceased and aid our ongoing investigations,” Maate added.
He also warned residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, stressing that such acts of violence and criminality must be condemned and the perpetrators brought to justice.
As inquiries continue, authorities are appealing to the community for any information that may lead to the identification of the victim or the arrest of the assailants.