Police in Kasese District are investigating the killing of a 46-year-old woman whose body was discovered at a farm in Rwehingo Village, Nyakatonzi Sub-county.
The victim, identified as Topista Kyakimwa, was found Tuesday morning lying in a pool of blood with visible injuries, prompting detectives to open a homicide investigation.
According to Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, Kyakimwa left her home at about 5 p.m. on Monday to buy food items from Rwehingo Trading Centre but did not return.
Investigators say preliminary inquiries indicate that she was later seen at a local bar before her disappearance.
“The deceased was last seen drinking at Grace Kabugho’s bar,” Maate said.
Police officers responded to the scene, documented evidence and deployed a police sniffer dog to assist in tracing those believed to be connected to the killing.
“The scene was visited, processed and documented. The police dog was introduced to help in tracking the culprits and five male and three female suspects were arrested to help in investigations,” Maate said.
The body was taken to Bwera Referral Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination as detectives continue gathering evidence.
“The body was retrieved and taken to Bwera Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem. Inquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information that can lead to those involved should volunteer it to police so that they are brought to book,” he added.
Police have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing, and no suspect has been formally charged.
The eight people arrested remain in custody as investigators continue questioning witnesses and reviewing evidence in an effort to establish the circumstances surrounding Kyakimwa’s death.
The latest incident has renewed concern over violent crime in rural communities, where police continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity promptly and cooperate with investigations to help bring offenders to justice.