Shock and grief have gripped residents of Bugabo Village in Kamira sub-county, Luwero District, after the brutal killing of 14-year-old Ssaava Muntu. Police are investigating his death as a suspected ritual sacrifice.
Luwero Ritual Sacrifice: The Lead-Up to Tragedy
The chain of events leading to Ssaava’s tragic death began days earlier. Investigators say the teenager had been enduring repeated torture at home, allegedly at the hands of his father, Kalyango, also known as Konoweeka.
Unable to bear the mistreatment, Ssaava fled his home and sought refuge for five days at the house of a woman named Nakayima Nalongo. However, his brief escape was cut short when his father instructed a neighbor, Lule Godfrey (alias Kutesa), to bring the boy back.
A Fatal Return to Mayembe Gambogo
Lule returned Ssaava to his father, but instead of offering safety, he took him to Mayembe Gambogo, a hilltop site linked to traditional spiritual rituals. Police say that on the evening of March 1, 2026, Ssaava was brought to the hilltop, where he shared a meal, allegedly prepared by his mother, Christine Nabuuma, known as Mumbejja.
Later that night, the group reportedly conducted rituals at an altar. In the early hours of the morning, tragedy struck.
Lule’s Disturbing Account of the Murder
According to police, Lule allegedly attacked the boy with a panga, inflicting fatal wounds. Lule later claimed that he had dreamed of being strangled by Kalyango and Ssaava. He told investigators that in the dream, he fought back, grabbed a panga, and hacked them in self-defense.
When he woke, Lule reportedly found the boy lifeless beside him, confirming that he had indeed struck Ssaava.
Attempted Escape and Arrest
After the killing, Lule attempted to flee, but an alarm raised by the boy’s mother alerted nearby residents. The community responded swiftly, capturing Lule and bringing him into custody.
Christine Nabuuma was also arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into possible ritual involvement and the roles other family members played.
Investigations and Evidence Collection
Police have secured the crime scene, recovering crucial evidence, including the suspected murder weapon, blood samples, and stained clothing. The boy’s body was transported to Luwero Hospital for a postmortem.
ASP Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. The authorities are working to establish the exact motive, determine whether ritual practices were involved, and identify any other suspects.
As of the time of the report, the whereabouts of Ssaava’s father, Kalyango, remain unknown. His instructions are believed to have set the chain of events that led to the boy’s death in motion.