Police in Bukedi North are grappling with two gruesome murder cases that have left communities in shock, as a son allegedly killed his elderly father and a UPDF soldier was found dead in his rice garden. Â
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In Budaka District, a 25-year-old man, Denis Galandi, is in custody after allegedly murdering his 71-year-old father, Moses Nghanga, a peasant from Busikwe Village, Katira Sub-county. The horrific incident occurred on May 14, 2025, at around 1:00 PM. Â
According to Bukedi North acting police spokesperson Wilfred Kyapasa, the suspect called a neighbour, Margaret Musenero, to the scene. Upon arrival, she found Nghanga lying in a pool of blood, dead. Galandi reportedly told her, "You should see what I have done to my father." Neighbours swiftly apprehended him and handed him over to the Kerekerene Police Post. Â
A police team, led by D/IP Fred Nahyembo and the Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) , recovered a hoe believed to be the murder weapon. The body was taken to Mbale City Mortuary for a post-mortem, which has since been conducted. The motive remains unclear as investigations continue. Â
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In a separate but equally disturbing incident, the body of CPL Jackson Bankunda, a 60-year-old UPDF soldier attached to Bombo Army Barracks, was discovered dumped in his rice garden in Kibuku District. Â
Bankunda had gone to his garden on  Monday, May 12, 2025, to scare away birds, accompanied by his six-year-old granddaughter, Madina Kanyago. His wife, Jan Mutesi, later joined them but noticed nothing unusual—until Wednesday, May 14, when his lifeless body was found. Â
Police suspect foul play, with indications that the soldier may have struggled with his attackers before death. A case file has been opened, and the body was taken to Kibuku Mortuary pending a post-mortem. Witness statements are being recorded as detectives piece together the circumstances of his death. Â
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Kyapasa described the incidents as "deeply disturbing" and assured the public that investigations are underway to ensure justice is served. Â
"We are treating both cases with utmost seriousness. The brutality of a son killing his father and the murder of a serving soldier are grave crimes that will not go unpunished," he stated. Â
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to uncover the truth behind these tragic deaths.
