Written By |
Residents carry man's body from the lake
Search
By Our Reporter
Rubirizi – Shock and grief gripped residents of Rumuri I and Rumuri II villages in Kichwamba Sub-county, Rubirizi District, on Monday after a 55-year-old man hacked his wife to death before drowning in Lake Rwizongo in an apparent murder-suicide. The suspect, Niwagaba Amidu (55), reportedly attacked his wife, Asiimwe Madina (50), while she was harvesting coffee in their plantation. Eyewitnesses said he hacked her several times with a panga, killing her instantly, before fleeing and plunging into Lake Rwizongo, where he drowned.
The couple, married for decades and parents of 13 children, had a long history of disputes, mainly over inherited family land.
Asiimwe Madina was attacked by her husband while she was harvesting coffee in their plantation
Root of the Conflict
Reports indicate that Asiimwe inherited several plots of land from her family, which she insisted on managing independently. Her husband, however, repeatedly pressured her to sell the land to raise money — a demand she resisted. Two months before the tragedy, Asiimwe resolved to keep the land strictly for their children, a decision that worsened the rift. On the fateful day, while she picked ripe coffee cherries, Niwagaba stormed the farm and viciously attacked her.
Leaders React
Patrick Beyendeza, LC1 Chairperson of Rumuri I, expressed shock and sorrow:
"This family has struggled with domestic conflict for a long time. As leaders, we tried to mediate, but tensions persisted. It is very painful that this ended in the loss of two lives. We call upon families to resolve disputes peacefully instead of resorting to violence."
Hon. Mugizi Bernard, Councillor of Rumuri Parish, condemned the incident:
"It is shameful and heartbreaking that a man could kill his wife because of land and coffee. We leaders have always advised people to seek guidance and legal means in solving disputes. Violence is never the answer."
Bishop Vincent Tukundane, a respected preacher in Rubirizi District, also condemned the act and called for reconciliation.
"People must learn to forgive and rely on God to solve disputes instead of turning to violence. Violence leaves families broken, children orphaned, and communities traumatized. Only peace, love, and dialogue can hold us together."
He added that religious leaders are appealing for more community dialogue, counseling, and peaceful dispute-resolution mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies.
Police Speak Out
Julius Masereka, Officer in Charge of Kichwamba Police Station, urged the public to desist from domestic violence and to work closely with police and local leaders in resolving conflicts.
"We appeal to the public to stop taking the law into their own hands. Let us utilize the guidance of authorities to settle grievances. Police have already commenced investigations into the murder-suicide, and we call for vigilance and early reporting of domestic violence cases," he said.
The body of Asiimwe Madina was taken to Rugazi Health Centre IV for a postmortem.
Torch Media Africa
