Written By | Jovita Hasto
Mr Robert Tumusiime, the GISO for Ibanda Municipality, urged residents to help security search for the suspect but warned against mob justice.
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IBANDA
Police in Ibanda district are searching for Posiano Turyahebwa, a resident of Kyarufubangi Cell in Ibanda municipality, who allegedly murdered his wife, Phionah Nsimenta, and a neighbour's wife, Oliver Nalugo, in the early hours of June 15, 2026.
A somber mood gripped Kyarufubangi Village as residents woke to the disturbing news. According to relatives, Turyahebwa called them to come and pick up Nsimenta's body before it rots inside the house. He had locked the body inside with two children after the alleged murder, then attacked Nalugo as she headed to work at Kanyansheko trading centre.
Ms Monica Nshemereirwe, sister of the deceased Nsimenta, received the call from her brother-in-law around 5:30 a.m. "He told me, 'In-law, come and check on your sister because I have killed her.'" When she arrived, she was shown another murdered woman by the roadside — but it was not her sister. After giving a clear description, residents led her to Nsimenta's house, but the door was locked. They waited for police to arrive.
Nshemereirwe added that Turyahebwa had often called her complaining about her sister's behaviour, though she did not know how true the accusations were.
Residents whispered that Turyahebwa had a controlling nature, often accusing his wife of speaking to male customers who bought mandazi and pancakes at her stall in Kanyansheko trading centre.
Mackline Kyomukama explained that the couple had a history of domestic brawls. "Leaders intervened, and they promised to reconcile — but we could not predict what they carried in their hearts. This act is too much."
LC1 Chairperson Jackson Nyamugisha stated he informed police after residents called out. He described Turyahebwa as a soft-spoken man, which made the incident even more shocking.
Resident Hilda Tushabomwe expressed fear over rising insecurity. "These days you cannot move beyond 9:00 p.m. Thugs attack you and take whatever you are carrying."
Councillor Annet Ainembabazi condemned the incident, urging people to share their struggles with religious leaders or counsellors before taking regrettable actions. "Young children were left humiliated, locked inside a room beside their mother's body."
Mr Emmanuel Tumusiimwe, devastated upon learning of his wife Oliver Nalugo's death, said she had left home early to sell mandazi and pancakes to school-going children. They had spent seven years together and have two children. He was informed by his daughter, who was walking with her mother at the time of the attack. "My daughter told me Posiano attacked them. She managed to run away but was not sure if her mother survived. We found her in a pool of blood."
Mr Robert Tumusiime, the GISO for Ibanda Municipality, urged residents to help security search for the suspect but warned against mob justice. "Report his whereabouts to security — we want him apprehended lawfully."
Deputy RDC Godfrey Guma Nabireba confirmed the incident, stating that investigations have begun. "Someone is suspected of killing his wife and a neighbour's wife. He is on the run but still making phone calls — we shall definitely arrest him."
Torch Media Africa
