Security agencies have arrested the prime suspect in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Bukenya Martin. Bukenya was allegedly beaten to death after the suspect reportedly found him with his daughter on Valentine’s Day.
The incident occurred on February 14, 2026, at around 8:00 p.m. in Mabanda Cell, Gombe Division, Wakiso District, according to Rachael Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Public Relations Officer.
Police said the incident took place at the suspect’s residence in Mabanda Cell, Gombe Division, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
“The suspect was apprehended in Gulu District and has been identified as Musasizi Herbert, aged 41,” Kawala said.
“The deceased, a student at Hillside Secondary School Matugga and a resident of Kirinyabigo, Kawanda, Nabweru Division, Wakiso District, was allegedly beaten to death after being found in the suspect’s house with his 14-year-old daughter,” she added.
The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.
According to preliminary police findings, Bukenya had reportedly taken a Valentine’s flower to Christine, the suspect’s 14-year-old daughter, who is said to attend the same school and is in Senior Two.
Neighbours alleged that the suspect found the teenager inside his home, locked himself in with him, and then unleashed a violent assault.
“He started punching, kicking, and caning him mercilessly. The beating seemed intentional. There were many other ways to handle the situation,” one resident said.
Witnesses reported that the assault lasted more than an hour, with claims that stones were also used.
Residents attempted to intervene by breaking doors and windows to stop the attack but were unsuccessful. Betty Nansubuga, a local resident, said Bukenya was pronounced dead on the way to a nearby clinic.
By the time police arrived at the scene, the suspect and his family had fled. “When we returned the body home, we found that the father and his family had escaped. Police from Matugga later cordoned off the area,” Nansubuga said.
In a statement released on Friday, SP Kawala confirmed that the suspect had initially evaded arrest but was later tracked down in Gulu District. “He is currently in custody as investigations continue,” she said.
Bukenya’s killing comes amid growing concern over rising cases of assault-related murders in Uganda. Police statistics show that 1,339 cases of murder by assault were reported in 2024, compared to 1,142 cases in 2023 — a 17 percent increase.
According to the report, 1,340 people were assaulted to death in 2024, including 1,091 male adults, 156 female adults, 69 male juveniles, and 24 female juveniles.
Security agencies have urged the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report disputes to authorities instead of resorting to violence.
