A joint security operation has led to the arrest of five suspects among them two individuals linked to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in connection with the cold-blooded murder of Godfrey Wayengera, a staff member of Compassion International Uganda and director of Beloved Daycare and Nursery School in Mukono.
Wayengera was abducted on June 10, 2025, by armed men dressed in military-style clothing.
His lifeless body was discovered hours later, dumped near a railway line in Namumira, sparking outrage and grief within the Mukono community.
Confirming the breakthrough during a press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, July 21, Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said five suspects had been apprehended and key evidence recovered.
“So far, five suspects have been arrested during ongoing operations, and we have recovered one SAR rifle, along with military and police uniforms,” ACP Kituuma stated.
The suspects were identified as Tumusiime Ashraf alias Obadiah (40), a resident of Kireka, arrested at Ku Sattu, Kayunga Road, Mukono, Ssenteza Mike (40), from Wakiso, arrested in Busawuli Ward, Wakiso District, Kasolo Fahad (30), resident of Nabweru and Kireka, arrested on Kamuli Road, Sgt. Mwesige Muhammad alias Jet Lee / Munamakerere (50), an army deserter, and Cpl. Mugabe Borban Aspa, a serving UPDF officer, both of whom were arrested in Wandegeya and are residents of Kagugube.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are part of a criminal gang that has been preying on traders and travelers along the Katosi Road corridor in Mukono District.
According to police findings, Wayengera and his wife, Christine Najjabi, were returning from a burial in Mbale on June 9 when they were intercepted by the suspects near Katosi Road. Posing as security personnel, the group claimed the couple was being escorted to Mukono Police Station for questioning.
Instead, the attackers diverted their victims to Kyungu Road, where Wayengera was reportedly killed. Najjabi was later dumped in Jinja Misindye, Goma Division, where she was rescued by local residents and rushed to Mukono General Hospital.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects belong to a criminal gang targeting traders and travellers along Katosi Road in Mukono,” ACP Kituuma added.
As the case unfolds, authorities have promised that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that justice is served for the slain humanitarian worker.
“We would like to assure the public that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure that this matter is brought to its logical conclusion. We shall continue to pursue all leads to bring those responsible to justice,” ACP Kituuma affirmed.
