October 24, 2023
LUWERO, Uganda | In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through Luwero town, a man is on the run after allegedly raping and taking the life of his stepdaughter following a bitter disagreement with his wife.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Ssesanga, stands accused of the rape and tragic murder of 16-year-old Shirat Nakijjwe, a promising senior two student at Midland High School. The young girl had been living with her mother, Margaret Nankya, in Kizito Zone, Luwero town council.
According to Ruth Nankumba, the vice-chairperson of Kizito Zone, the relationship between Ssesanga and Nankya had soured, leading to their separation. It is reported that Ssesanga took advantage of Nankya’s absence on a fateful Friday night to attack his stepdaughter.
What makes this ordeal even more chilling is that Ssesanga left behind a threatening note, promising to pursue Nankya and end her life. Margaret Nankya was blissfully unaware of the tragedy unfolding at home, as she had been attending an overnight vigil when the incident occurred.
Yusuf Kalemera, a neighbor, described the harrowing scene he encountered. He found the lifeless body of young Shirat half-naked on her bed, accompanied by the ominous note left by the assailant. It is worth noting that Nankya had received numerous death threats after her relationship with Ssesanga came to an end, threats that sadly weren’t taken seriously.
In response to this distressing incident, a team from Luwero Central Police Station swiftly transferred the victim’s body to the Mulago Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. Speaking on behalf of the Savannah Regional Police, spokesperson Sam Twineamazima confirmed that they have taken a statement from the grieving mother and initiated a hunt for the fugitive suspect, Christopher Ssesanga.
This tragic event highlights the pressing issue of domestic violence in Luwero. According to the 2022 police crime report, the district registered a staggering 501 domestic violence cases, marking a worrying increase from the 340 cases reported in 2021. This unfortunate statistic ranked Luwero as the second-leading district in domestic violence cases in 2022, trailing only behind Kiryandongo, which reported 520 cases.
As the community grapples with the shocking loss of a bright young life, it is a stark reminder of the importance of addressing and combating domestic violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Shirat Nakijjwe as they navigate this dark chapter in their lives. The pursuit of justice continues as Luwero police intensify their efforts to bring the perpetrator to account for his alleged crime.
