Police have launched an investigation into the Mbale double murder that occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Busajabwankuba Cell, Namunsi Ward. The Elgon region police confirmed that an 18-year-old girl, Jane Nambuya, and one of her suspected attackers died during the incident.
The attack happened as Nambuya returned from buying charcoal. Two teenage boys confronted her and attempted to grab her smartphone. When she refused, one of them slashed her neck with a panga, killing her on the spot.
The loud cries drew a crowd of nearby residents. Bystanders chased and caught one suspect, a 17-year-old known as Muhammad from Doko Cell. Upon searching him, they discovered a blood-stained panga and the victim’s phone hidden in his trousers, according to a resident, Scovia Naula.
Mob Justice Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The enraged crowd reacted violently. Before the police arrived, they beat the suspect to death. Officers later transported the bodies to Mbale City Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
Mr. Abdu Karim Musungule, the area defence secretary, filed the initial report. SP Rogers Taitika, spokesperson for Elgon region police, confirmed the details and assured the public that police are searching for the second suspect.
“We regret the loss of life and continue pursuing the second suspect. However, we discourage mob justice. Let the law handle criminals,” SP Taitika said.
Local leaders, including Assistant Resident City Commissioner Mr. Hussein Kadima, condemned the attack. He urged residents to support security efforts and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
The tragic Mbale double murder highlights rising insecurity in the area, especially for young women.
Pattern of Violence Against Girls in Mbale
Thursday’s Mbale double murder adds to previous attacks on girls in the region.
In March 2025, someone defiled and strangled 15-year-old Sumaya Binti Edrisa in a guesthouse in Gudoi Cell. In July 2023, attackers killed Salima Sanzitta, an 18-year-old student, and dumped her body in a pond in Rock Ward.
The 2024 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report revealed that the Elgon region recorded 655 domestic violence cases. Across Uganda, 14,073 cases occurred in 2024, most involving women as victims.
These numbers underscore the urgent need for action against gender-based violence. Community engagement and law enforcement must intensify efforts to protect vulnerable people.
For a related incident in the region, read more about a robbery in Budaka District.
