A 43-year-old man has committed suicide by hanging shortly after beheading his four-year-old stepson and leaving his wife in critical condition following a violent domestic fight on Thursday night.
The deceased, identified as Sam Tumusiime, a resident of Nyabusojo village, Kabasekende Sub County, reportedly developed a misunderstanding with his 20-year-old wife, Joan Kyalimpa, for unknown reasons.
The quarrel escalated into a physical fight, during which Tumusiime allegedly hacked Kyalimpa several times on the head and face, leaving her in a coma.
He then picked a panga and beheaded his stepson, Derick Alitujuna, before fleeing the scene.
Alarmed residents rushed to the couple’s home after hearing Kyalimpa screaming for help.
On arrival, they found her lying in a pool of blood with deep wounds, while her son had been beheaded.
She was immediately rushed to Kibaale Health Center IV where she is currently undergoing treatment.
As the community mounted a search for Tumusiime, they discovered his lifeless body hanging from a tree near his home, indicating that he had taken his own life shortly after committing the crime.
Residents attributed the tragic incident to prolonged domestic violence, allegedly fueled by excessive alcohol consumption by the couple.
“The two have been fighting for a long time. We’ve always tried to intervene but their misunderstandings kept escalating,” said Chrysostom Atuhura, a resident.
Area leaders have condemned the act and expressed concern over rising cases of domestic violence in the community.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. We continue to see domestic violence claiming lives. People should learn to seek help before it’s too late,” said Charles Businge, the area district councillor.
John Mary Tibezinda, the LC3 Chairperson of Kabasekende Sub County, appealed to couples facing relationship challenges to seek counseling and mediation from local leaders rather than resorting to violence.
Police later arrived at the scene and conveyed both bodies to Kibaale Health Center IV mortuary for postmortem examination as investigations continue.
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