Police in Makindye Division, Kampala, are investigating a tragic domestic incident in Kalungu-Bunga, Ggaba Parish, where a woman allegedly stabbed her five children, killing two, before attempting to take her own life and setting a vehicle ablaze early Thursday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. in Kalungu Zone, Bunga. Investigators suspect the horrific attack stemmed from a domestic dispute.

An eyewitness with a bloodstained shirt. PHOTO/ABUBAKER LUBOWA

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police South, operating through Kabalagala Police Division, the housemaid was awakened by distressed cries for help coming from the main house. Upon opening the residence to investigate, she discovered the children bearing severe stab wounds.

Emergency health team in the compound. PHOTO/ABUBAKER LUBOWA

Police identified the deceased as 14-year-old Khadija Daizy, who was found dead in her bedroom, and 7-year-old Hawa Dalena, who succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival at Nsambya Hospital.

Three other siblings—aged 13, 8, and 5—survived the stabbing and remain hospitalised, receiving urgent medical care.

The mother and prime suspect, identified as 43-year-old Kenyan national Dorothy Namayo, was also found with self-inflicted injuries. She is currently admitted at Mulago National Referral Hospital under strict police guard.

During the melee, a Toyota Hiace van parked at the residence was set ablaze and completely destroyed. Fire Prevention and Rescue Services responded to extinguish the flames, subsequently recovering a jerrycan suspected to have contained petrol at the scene.

Remains of the torched van. PHOTO/ABUBAKER LUBOWA

A combined team of homicide detectives, Scene of Crime Officers, and forensic personnel examined the residence and gathered exhibits to piece together the exact sequence of events.

“The bodies of the deceased juveniles were conveyed to Mulago City Mortuary for postmortem examinations,” stated ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police. 

“Police have recorded statements from the reporter and relevant witnesses, while the suspect remains under police guard as inquiries continue to establish the motive behind the attack.”

The case has been formally registered at Kabalagala Police Station as investigations into murder, attempted murder, and arson remain ongoing.