By Aggrey Baba
A gospel singer and local leader in Kitagwenda district has been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of his four-year-old niece, Maria Trina Ainomugisha.
The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Amarakutunga, was taken into custody at the beginning of this week after a sniffer dog led police to his home. He is a gospel artist, a district councillor for persons with disabilities, and the owner of a private school.
The victim was reported missing on Sunday, and her body was discovered the next morning near a stream close to Amarakutunga’s farm. Her throat had been slit, and police later found a bucket filled with blood hidden inside a secret room in the suspect’s house.
The discovery enraged residents, who vandalized Amarakutunga’s home, destroyed his farm, and set his belongings on fire. Police had to intervene and whisk him away to prevent mob justice.
Kitagwenda District Police Commander Bashir Bakulumpagi confirmed the arrest, assuring the public that a full investigation was underway.
Amarakutunga’s arrest comes amid ongoing investigations into fraudulent religious leaders suspected of engaging in criminal activities under the guise of Christianity. Previous reports have linked some pastors to ritual killings, extortion, and witchcraft practices.
In 2019, police launched an inquiry into fake pastors after intelligence reports suggested some were involved in human sacrifices to gain supernatural powers. Despite numerous arrests, the findings have not been made public.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue into both Amarakutunga’s case and the broader issue of rogue religious figures exploiting their followers. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
