RUBIRIZI, UGANDA – A devastating incident has shaken the community of Rumuri One and Rumuri Two villages in Rubirizi District, Uganda. A 55-year-old man, Niwagaba Amidu, allegedly hacked his 50-year-old wife, Asiimwe Madina, to death with a panga over a land dispute. The brutal attack occurred while Asiimwe was harvesting coffee at her family plantation.
A History of Conflict:
The couple, married for decades and parents of 13 children, had a long-standing dispute over land ownership. Asiimwe had inherited several plots from her family, which she managed independently, but her husband pressured her to sell the land, leading to increased tension. Despite efforts by local leaders to mediate, the conflict ultimately turned deadly.
Community in Shock:
Local leaders, including LC1 Chairperson Patrick Beyendeza and Councillor Hon. Mugizi Bernard, have condemned the incident and urged families to resolve disputes peacefully. “This family has struggled with domestic conflict for a long time,” Beyendeza said. “As leaders, we tried to mediate, but tensions persisted.”
Call to Action:
The incident has sparked a renewed call for community dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms. Bishop Vicent Tukundane, a respected preacher in Rubirizi District, urged the community to seek reconciliation and God’s guidance. “Our society is being poisoned by hatred and unforgiveness,” he said. “Families are no longer embracing dialogue.”
Investigation Underway:
The police have begun investigations into the murder-suicide and are urging the public to refrain from domestic violence and report any signs of abuse to local authorities. The body of Asiimwe Madina has been taken to Rugazi Health Center IV for post-mortem, while the suspect’s body was recovered from Lake Rwizongo.
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