Jinja: A devastating incident occurred in the early hours of March 11, 2025, in Katende Triangle, Bugembe, Jinja City. Edirisa Isabirye, a 25-year-old boda boda rider, allegedly set his room on fire, intentionally targeting his wife, Mirabu Kakazi, 17, and their 9-month-old daughter, Mirabu Munana.
The fire tragically led to the deaths of both the mother and child.
Upon investigating the scene, police discovered that Isabirye had become overwhelmed with guilt and subsequently took his own life using a bedsheet.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the couple’s marriage had been plagued by toxicity, characterized by frequent arguments, physical abuse, and controlling behavior.
Uganda Police, through SP James Mubi, the Kiira Regional Spokesperson, confirmed the tragedy, stating, “They all died. The mother and daughter perished in the intentional fire, while the father took his own life by hanging.”
The police have urged married couples and those in relationships to prioritize mutual respect, trust, open communication, kindness, and submission to God’s will.
Mr. Mubi emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs of toxic relationships and seeking professional counseling services when necessary.
According to the police, the deceased will be laid to rest in their respective hometowns: Mirabu Kakazi in Namagera Town Council, Jinja District, and Edirisa Isabirye and his daughter in Bukoma Sub County, Luuka District.
This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of promoting healthy relationships.
A similar disturbing incident occurred in Buwabwala Parish, Bwikhonge Subcounty, Bulambuli District, on Tuesday, where 60-year-old Geoffrey Kabuto was killed by a mob after he assaulted and killed his 28-year-old son-in-law, Yofesi Wambi.
It is reported that the incident happened when Kabuto discovered the deceased in his daughter’s room and confronted him, leading to a scuffle that resulted in Wambi’s death.
According to the postmortem report, the victim died from hemorrhagic spleen and liver rupture due to the assault. After the incident, Kabuto locked himself in his house, but an angry mob set the house ablaze, forcing him out and beating him to death.
Rogers Taitika, the police spokesperson for the Elgon region, told reporters that the police have taken both bodies to Muyembe H/C4 Mortuary for postmortem examination and are investigating the incident.
“The motive behind the killing is believed to be an act of anger,” Taitika said.
Notably, Geoffrey Kabuto’s wife had left him due to alleged domestic violence, and his daughter, Namakanda Florence, had moved back in with him due to marriage challenges.
