70–Old Killed Over Witchcraft Allegations in Rukiga

A 70-year-old woman has been brutally killed in Rukiga District following accusations of witchcraft, in an incident that has shocked the local community.

The deceased, Alice Joventa Mutwigi, was allegedly attacked and killed by her younger brother, Geoffrey Wilson Kareba, on the morning of March 31, 2026, at her home in Kariba Village, Karorwa Parish, Bukinda Sub-county.

According to police, the suspect reportedly confronted his sister, accusing her of bewitching his family. The situation escalated after an exchange of words, during which the deceased is said to have responded in a way that angered him.

In a violent outburst, Kareba allegedly picked up a panga and struck his sister multiple times on the head, killing her instantly.

Following the incident, the suspect reportedly surrendered himself to the Bukinda Sub-county Chief and handed over the weapon used in the attack. The chief later notified police, who re-arrested Kareba and detained him at Rukiga Central Police Station.

Police officers visited the scene of the crime and documented evidence, while the body of the deceased was transported to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

ASP Elly Maate, the Police Public Relations Officer for Kigezi Region, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The incident has once again raised concern over violent acts linked to witchcraft accusations in communities.