Kisoro, Uganda – April 12, 2025-Police in Kisoro District are holding a 25-year-old woman accused of murdering her own daughter by allegedly drowning her in a neighbor’s water tank.
The suspect, Ruhangariyo Jacklyn, a resident of Mulindi Village in Muhindura Parish, Kanaba Sub-county, was arrested on Friday morning, April 11, 2025, after the body of her 2-year-8-month-old daughter, Irasubiza Salvation, was recovered from a water tank in their neighborhood.
According to Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, while the children were left under the care of their grandfather, Kubwimana Herbert.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that at about 6:00 a.m., the children’s grandmother, Ntawigemera Anah, left for a church service, leaving her grandchildren asleep.
Around 7:00 a.m., the grandfather also went to spray Irish potatoes in his garden. He returned at 9:00 a.m. to find only one child, Amumpire Wisdom Ian, who told him that their mother had come and taken the younger child before throwing her into a water tank,” said Maate.
Upon hearing this, the grandfather raised an alarm that drew the attention of residents.
Together, they checked the water tank belonging to Mukamulisi Jesca—Jacklyn’s grandmother and a neighbor—and discovered the lifeless body of the child.
Fred Maniriho, the father of the deceased, was informed of the tragedy and immediately contacted Kanaba Sub-county Police Post for assistance.ASP Maate confirmed that police responded swiftly to the scene.
“The scene was visited, documented, and processed. Statements from available witnesses have been recorded, and the suspect was apprehended to assist with ongoing investigations. The body was taken to Kisoro Hospital Mortuary for postmortem,” he stated.
While the motive behind the alleged act is still unclear, Maate emphasized that investigations are ongoing to determine what led to the horrific incident.
“This is a deeply disturbing case. We call on the public to remain calm as we conduct thorough inquiries to uncover the full truth,” he added.
The community remains in shock over the incident, with several residents expressing disbelief that a mother could be involved in such a tragic.
