Authorities in Uganda arrested a man who allegedly murdered his 9-year-old nephew before mutilating him and giving his wife the victim’s body parts to cook. Per Citizen Digital, the fatal January 14 incident occurred in the western Ugandan district of Ntungamo.
The deceased was said to be the son of the suspect’s older brother. After dismembering the victim’s body, the suspect allegedly put the remains in a saucepan before handing it over to his wife to cook.
The suspect’s wife is said to have sounded an alarm after she noticed the contents in the saucepan were the remains of her husband’s nephew. Area residents who responded to the scene also confirmed the deceased victim’s identity.
John Kabeho, who is the Rubaare Sub-County District Councillor, told the Monitor news outlet that the suspect’s wife was not at home when he committed the alleged crime.
“The suspect was left home with the child while his wife and his child went to church. When the wife returned from church, her husband told her that he had bought some meat and it was in a saucepan in the kitchen. He instructed the wife to cook it immediately because he was hungry,” Kabeho said.
“When the wife entered the kitchen, she found chopped pieces of human meat in the pan.”
Kabeho said an investigation into the incident has since been launched. He also stated that the suspect has on many occasions received medical treatment for mental health issues.
“He was taken to hospital three years ago when he developed mental challenges, but he became well later and returned home,” Kabeho disclosed. “However, he kept showing signs of mental challenges and he would be taken to churches for prayers. Family members say he had recovered when it happened.”
The Rubaare Sub-County female Councillor, Shallon Tweheyo Kyomukama, also described the incident as “unfortunate” and “terrifying.” “I think we must take mental health issues more serious as government,” she added.