By Robert Segawa
Police in Katwe Division have launched a manhunt for a boda boda rider suspected of murdering a 34-year-old woman and concealing her body in a travel bag at Masajja in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District.
The deceased has been identified as Katusiime Lillian, who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia and rented a house belonging to Masajja Kibira B Village Chairperson and landlord, Wasswa Luwandaga.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala identified the suspect, who is currently on the run, as Mulika Eddy, a boda boda rider operating in the Masajja area.
Kawala said the incident is believed to have occurred at an unknown time between November 1 and 2, 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Katusiime had rented a double-roomed house in Masajja Kibira B, where she also operated a retail business dealing in drinks, mobile money services, popcorn and other assorted merchandise.
Police investigations further indicate that the deceased was reportedly in a romantic relationship with Mulika, who allegedly used to transport her to Kikubo in Kampala to purchase wholesale merchandise for her business.
On November 2, a neighbour who operates a business near the deceased’s shop reportedly became suspicious after noticing Mulika removing several items from the shop, including a refrigerator, drinks and other merchandise.
The neighbour reportedly became concerned because Katusiime had not been seen for some time and subsequently alerted Luwandaga, who was also her landlord.
When questioned about the deceased’s whereabouts, Mulika reportedly claimed that she was sick and had been admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
However, when asked to open the house, the suspect allegedly fled the scene, prompting residents to gain access to the premises, where they made the shocking discovery of Katusiime’s body concealed inside a large travelling bag.
The body had reportedly been folded, tied and placed inside the bag alongside clothes in what investigators suspect was an attempt to disguise it as ordinary luggage.
Kawala said police had arrested another boda boda rider, identified as Ssemwanga Fred, who is suspected of assisting in transporting some of the deceased’s property.
“We have managed to arrest one Ssemwanga Fred, a boda boda rider who is alleged to have assisted in transporting some of the deceased’s property, to assist with ongoing investigations,” Kawala said.
She added that investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder, the motive behind the crime and whether other individuals were involved.
Police condemned the killing and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could help investigators apprehend Mulika, who remains at large.
