Police in Mpigi District have recovered additional human remains from a shrine in Lunyerere Village, Kammengo Sub-County, intensifying a criminal inquiry into suspected ritual practices linked to the disappearance of several children.
Detectives on Tuesday sealed off the home of 29-year-old Ivan Muwanga after residents raised concerns about unusual activity at the site.
After a search, officers found several skulls concealed in metallic containers and buried within the compound, discoveries that triggered unrest as residents stormed the area before police dispersed them.
Muwanga, who was nearly attacked by the crowd, was arrested and detained at Mpigi Central Police Station.
On Wednesday, investigators returned to the scene with a court order and exhumed more remains, including material believed to belong to minors. The purpose for keeping the remains remains unclear.
Residents say tensions have grown over months of unexplained disappearances.
Vincent Miiro, the secretary for defence on the Kammengo Village committee, said repeated requests by locals for an urgent village council meeting went unanswered.
‘It was hard to believe what we saw inside the shrine because the owner has been known for manufacturing local liquor, until a girl reported a narrow escape when the same man chased her. It was her mother who filed a case with police,’ he told Monitor.
Miiro added that villagers were alarmed after a child who had gone missing was later found dead without all parts accounted for, an incident locals believe may be connected, though police have not confirmed any link.
Getrude Nakamoga, a resident, urged local leaders to strengthen oversight of new settlers.
‘This should serve as a warning for all local leaders to keep vigilant before letting strangers settle in their areas,’ she said.
Katonga Regional Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe confirmed Muwanga’s arrest and the ongoing investigation.
‘We’re to base on the evidence we’ve gathered to prepare a file to be sanctioned to court. All necessary procedures will be followed to know where the suspect got these remains from,’ she said.
Tumushabe revealed that police have so far recovered multiple skulls, bones and two bodies, with all remains transferred to Mulago City Mortuary for examination.
‘We call upon all people who claim the disappearance of their relative to come and assist police in investigations,’ she said.
This is not the first time Mpigi has grappled with similar cases. In June last year, security operatives found 17 skulls in an abandoned shrine in Kabanga Village belonging to a suspect linked to a high-profile killing in the Buganda Kingdom.
Concerns over the activities of traditional healers have surfaced elsewhere, including Mubende and Luweero districts, where authorities in recent years have intervened following allegations of criminal practices under the guise of spiritual work.