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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kyapasa described the incidents as "deeply disturbing" and assured the public that investigations are underway to ensure justice is served.
"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.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to uncover the truth behind these tragic deaths.
