MUKONO, Uganda — Police in Mukono District have arrested four people after human skulls and skeletal remains were allegedly discovered inside a house during an operation to recover a missing motorcycle, prompting a wide-ranging investigation into suspected ritual practices.
The arrests were made in Wantayi Village, Namataba Town Council, where officers from the Uganda Police Force stumbled upon the remains while searching a residence linked to one of the suspects.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the discovery was made unexpectedly during the operation.
“We were conducting an operation to recover a missing motorcycle when officers discovered human skulls and bones inside the residence. Investigations are ongoing,” Kawala said.
Police identified two of the suspects as Ruth Nabasiruka, 60, and her daughter Esther Nababi, 35. Two other suspects were also arrested, although their identities had not been disclosed by the time of publication.
Investigators said they were working to establish the origin of the human remains and determine whether any criminal offences had been committed.
According to police, officers also recovered several items believed to be associated with traditional rituals, including shrines, old bark cloths and two new mattresses inside the compound.
The discovery quickly drew large crowds of residents, some of whom directed investigators to several graves within the homestead.
Witnesses claimed some of the graves appeared to have been disturbed, with visible openings, while others had reportedly been resealed with fresh cement.
Residents further alleged that some bodies had previously been exhumed before the graves were covered again. Those claims, however, had not been independently verified by police.
During preliminary questioning, Nabasiruka reportedly admitted exhuming and keeping human remains at the property but denied any criminal intent.
She claimed the remains were used in traditional Kiganda healing practices aimed at treating members of her family.
“I exhumed and kept the remains for traditional Kiganda healing practices to treat my children. They were not intended to harm anyone,” she said.
Police have not confirmed her account and said investigations remain ongoing.
Charles Male, who identified himself as Nabasiruka’s son, alleged that his mother had practised witchcraft for years and had forced several relatives to abandon the family home.
“My mother practised witchcraft and forced us out of our father’s home. We left because we feared her threats,” Male claimed.
He further alleged that the residence had effectively become a shrine where traditional rituals were regularly conducted.
Male also claimed his stepmother kept several cats allegedly named after deceased relatives, although those assertions have not been independently verified.
Also Read: Kilifi police uncover 7 shallow graves with human bones, skulls in Kwa Binzaro
Wantayi Village Chairperson Nalukwanzi Molly confirmed the arrests, saying local authorities had previously received complaints from residents regarding activities at the property.
“Residents had raised concerns with us before this incident, and we are planning a community meeting to address their fears,” she said.
Police said forensic experts would examine the recovered remains as investigators seek to establish their origin, identify any possible victims and determine whether criminal offences, including unlawful exhumation or abuse of human remains, may have been committed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.
