KYENGERA UGANDA | In the early hours of a quiet Thursday morning, the Wakiso District was shattered by the tragic and brutal murder of Nakambugu Josephine. At 63, Josephine was a beloved community member found lifeless on her own veranda. What should have been another peaceful day in Nsimbe Village quickly turned into a scene of mourning and suspicion, with a longstanding land dispute suspected to be at the heart of this heinous crime. As the sun rose over Wakiso, so did the resolve of her son, Joseph Ssekanjako, who embarked on a relentless quest for justice, determined to expose the sinister forces behind his mother’s untimely death.
Josephine was discovered dead on the veranda of her house in Wakiso District at 6:45 a.m. The incident took place in Nsimbe Village under the jurisdiction of Nakawuka Police Station. Police suspected that a long-standing land dispute was the motive behind her killing. According to the police, Josephine, the mother of Joseph Ssekanjako, was shot at around 5 a.m.
In a written complaint to Nakawuka Police Station, Joseph stated that a day before his mother’s death, she had told him about men threatening her, saying they were always at her doorstep and sending her threatening messages. In his statement, Joseph accused UPDF soldier Itumba Wamala of his mother’s murder. Oryem Thomas, Officer-in-Charge of Nakawuka Police Station, confirmed Joseph’s allegations, stating, “Joseph alleged that Itumba had been in conflict with his mother since 2018. He had been threatening them daily, sending men to destroy their plantations and break their house windows. On the night of the incident, Joseph had not slept at home as he was working overnight, leaving his mother alone to be killed.”
Joseph claimed to know exactly who killed his mother and why. He explained that his mother was approached by Itumba Wamala with an offer to buy her land, but Josephine firmly refused, valuing her ancestral property over monetary gain. Rumors began circulating in the community that Josephine’s decision had angered influential people, and the situation took a dark turn when she was found shot dead.
The local community was stunned and grief-stricken, with whispers of foul play spreading quickly. Determined to seek justice for his mother, Joseph was convinced that her death was not a mere accident but a premeditated act to forcefully acquire her land. He claimed to have evidence supporting his suspicion and was driven by a deep sense of loss and a desire to see those responsible held accountable.
Our team reached out to Josephine’s family to understand their perspective. Family members echoed Joseph’s concerns, expressing their belief that Josephine’s refusal to sell her land led to her death. They spoke of the pressure she had been under from various quarters to relinquish her property, which she steadfastly refused.
In an effort to get both sides of the story, our team contacted the public relations office of Mr. Itumba. The PR representative categorically denied any involvement in the alleged murder, stating that Itumba had no connection to the tragic event. The representative emphasized that Itumba was deeply saddened by Josephine’s death but had no role in it. Our team was asked to leave the premises immediately, indicating a reluctance to engage further on the matter.
The Wakiso District community was in mourning, grappling with the loss of a beloved member. There was a palpable sense of fear and unease among the residents, many of whom believed that justice might never be served due to the influence and power of wealthy individuals like Itumba. Community leaders called for a thorough investigation into Josephine’s death, demanding that no stone be left unturned.
Joseph’s pursuit of justice for his mother was a challenging journey. He faced significant obstacles, including potential threats from powerful individuals and systemic issues within the legal framework. Despite these challenges, Joseph remained resolute. He continued to gather evidence and rally support from the community, hoping to bring those responsible for his mother’s death to justice.
However, the situation took a more sinister turn as Joseph began to receive threats himself. His determination to uncover the truth about his mother’s death made him a target. “I have had to run for my life in five different districts in less than six months, and wherever I go, I continue to be followed. I am scared, and I do not know what to do,” Joseph expressed with a mix of fear and frustration. Since taking on the responsibility of seeking justice for his mother, Joseph had faced numerous threats, warning him to abandon his quest or face the same fate as his mother. These threats were relentless, targeting him both directly and indirectly.
The situation became so dire that Joseph was forced to leave his hometown, moving from one place to another in search of safety. Despite the severity of the threats, the police were unresponsive. Joseph reported the threats multiple times, but his calls for help were largely ignored. The lack of action from the authorities left Joseph feeling abandoned and vulnerable. He feared for his life every day and questioned why the system was failing to protect him.
In his ongoing efforts to seek justice, Joseph voiced his concerns about the threats he had been receiving. He felt that his determination to uncover the truth about his mother’s death had made him a target. “Ever since I started seeking justice for my mother, I have been living in fear,” Joseph said. “I receive threats regularly, and it seems like no one is willing to help me. I don’t know where to turn.”
With the threats escalating, Joseph had no choice but to flee. He moved from place to place, never staying in one location for too long. This nomadic existence took a toll on him both physically and mentally. Joseph was constantly on edge, looking over his shoulder, and struggling to find a sense of security.
Joseph made a public plea for protection. He called on the police and other authorities to take his situation seriously and provide him with the security he desperately needed. “I am just asking for protection,” Joseph pleaded. “I want to see justice for my mother, but I need to feel safe while doing it. I am living in fear, and I need help.”
Joseph’s plight highlighted the urgent need for the police and relevant authorities to step in and provide the necessary protection and support. It was imperative that his pleas for safety were heard and acted upon promptly to prevent further harm and ensure that justice was served.
Then, suddenly, Joseph Ssekanjako went missing. Speculation ran rampant: had he gone into hiding to escape the relentless threats, or had something more sinister occurred? The community, already reeling from the murder of Josephine, was now plunged into deeper uncertainty and fear. His disappearance added a new layer of complexity and urgency to an already fraught situation. The residents of Wakiso District, along with Josephine’s remaining family members, watched in anguish as the saga of land disputes and power struggles unfolded.
The tragic death of Nakambugu Josephine and the subsequent disappearance of her son Joseph Ssekanjako highlight the darker side of land disputes in Uganda, where wealth and power often overshadow justice. Joseph’s determination to seek justice for his mother serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of such conflicts. As the investigation unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that honors Josephine’s memory and upholds the principles of justice and fairness. In the meantime, the people of Wakiso District continue to mourn, united in their grief and hope for a better, safer future where such tragedies can be prevented.
