Police in Mubende received a report of the death of an 8-year-old boy identified as Ndyanabo Ian, a resident of Katabalanga A in Katabalanga Ward, South Division, Mubende Municipality. The child, son of Mr. Ndyanabo Polini and Natwijuka Mary, had gone missing on 14th April 2026 after he went to fetch water with his 10-year-old sister.
According to reports, the children had gone together to a nearby well, but at some point the sister left him behind. When the boy failed to return home, the family began searching for him. The father later found the empty jerrycans the child had been carrying abandoned along the path leading to the well, raising concern that something had gone wrong. Locals joined the search efforts, although the matter was not immediately reported to police.
The following day, on 15th April 2026, residents discovered the boy’s body in a bush near the family coffee garden. The scene showed signs suggesting a struggle had taken place. Police were informed, and officers from Mubende Central Police Station, including the homicide team, quickly responded and processed the scene. Witness statements were recorded, and the body was taken to Mubende Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Police later arrested Ndyanabo Derrick, aged 18, who is believed to be the victim’s elder brother. He allegedly confessed to the killing and implicated another suspect, Mwikiriza Ronald, aged 25, who is also described as a wanted individual in connection with a previous murder case reported in 2025. Authorities say the elder brother claimed there was hostility within the family and that he had intended to harm his siblings.
The shocking incident has left residents of Katabalanga village and the wider Mubende municipality deeply disturbed. Many community members expressed disbelief that such violence could occur within a family setting, especially involving children.
Police have suggested that substance abuse may have played a role in the behavior of the suspects, although investigations are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances behind the incident. Authorities confirmed that the suspects will be taken to court once the resident State Attorney in Mubende approves the charges.
The case continues to draw strong public attention as the community mourns the loss of a young child and awaits justice in a matter that has shaken the area.
