Police in Kisoro District, south-western Uganda, have arrested a woman and her son on suspicion of killing her husband during a violent family dispute over land.
The victim, identified as 52-year-old Francis Hitimana from Rukoro village in Kanaba Sub-County, died on 4 October after reportedly being attacked by his wife, son and two daughters.
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“It is alleged that the deceased was assaulted by his close family members who beat him and inflicted head injuries, causing his death on the spot,” Kigezi regional police spokesperson Elly Maate told reporters.
Police say the violence stemmed from disagreements after Mr Hitimana sold part of the family land three days earlier without the approval of other members.
The suspects are accused of attempting to cover up the killing by moving his body to a nearby road before returning it to the family home and placing it on a mat in the living room.
A neighbour, who noticed blood stains in the compound, raised the alarm to local leaders, prompting police intervention. Officers later recovered suspected murder weapons, including a hoe, panga and axe, and transferred the body to Kisoro Hospital for a post-mortem.
“This incident has shocked the community, which is generally peaceful,” said resident John Nteziryayo.
Land disputes are among the leading triggers of family and community violence in Uganda. Police figures show land-related crimes rose sharply in 2024, with 397 cases recorded compared to 271 the previous year — an increase of nearly 47%.
Investigations into the Kisoro killing are ongoing, and police have appealed for more information from the public.
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